What Is a Surety Bond?

A plain-language look at 'what is a surety bond' for loved ones dealing with an arrest in California.

Overview

A surety bond is a three-party promise. The surety, here a bail bond company, promises the court that the defendant will appear, and the signer promises the agent to make that happen.

Practical Steps

Because the surety may pass that cost to the signer, read the agreement carefully.

Key Points

The bail premium pays for that promise. If the defendant fails to appear, the surety can be required to pay the court.

Before You Call a Bail Agent

A bail agent needs these details to look up a case:

The jail or station where the person is held
The charges, if known
Your own name and phone number
The person's full legal name and date of birth
The booking number, if you have it

Bail Bonds Monterey Park Experts in Monterey Park

Bail Bonds Monterey Park Experts is based at 220 S. Glendora Ave Suite J, Glendora, CA 91741 and takes calls at (626) 513-8778 (open 24 hours / 7 days). For what is a surety bond?, an agent can explain how bonds work in Los Angeles County, where people are held after an arrest by Monterey Park Police Department, such as Men's Central Jail, and which courthouse, for example Alhambra Courthouse (serving Monterey Park), hears the case.

Before You Decide

A bail agent can explain how a bond works and what the written agreement requires of the person who signs. A bail agent cannot give legal advice, predict how a case will end or influence the court. For questions about a charge, speak with a criminal defense attorney.