Specializing in Jail Bail Bonds for Long Beach, Huntington Beach and South Gate County. Please do not hesitate to contact us for bail bonds service. We are open 24 hrs and 365 days.

 What is a Bail Bond?

A bail bond can be described the same as a promissory note that has the same face value of the bail set forth by the court pertaining to the charges of the alleged crime. This bond is an instrument that ensures the courts that the individual in which the bond was posted on behalf for will appear at all the mandated court dates that the court requests of that individual until such time the case is over.

 Where do you post a Bail Bond?

Any State or County facility that allows bail to be posted. There will be additional charges, due to different state laws and pricing for other states outside of California.

 What are the hours of a Bond Company?

Most bond companies are open 24 hours 7 days a week 365 days a year. Our family owns and operates our companies, which consist of four family members operating around the clock for your convenience.

 Where do we go to obtain a Bail Bond?

You may come to anyone of our offices that is convenient for you or we can come to your home. Your convenience is most important to us. If you have small children and it is late at night you may not want to bring your children out. In this case it would be better for us to come to you.

 What if you're out of state or outof the area in which the Bond needs to  be posted?

This depends on the state or county facility in which the individual is being detained. County Jails: When a bond is posted at a county jail it can take between 4-12 hours before release of the individual after the bond has been posted. City Jails: When a bond is posted at a city jail and after the individual's fingerprints have been verified it can take 30min. to 1 hour for release after the bond has been posted. If the individual has gone to court that same day you request help in bonding them, remember that the information may not be available at the county jails until the following morning. It depends on the volume of people processed that day. Los Angeles for instance processes up to 6000 inmates per day.

 When will we know the cast is over?

When the individual who is out on bail and the court has agreed to what action will need to be taken for restitution of the alleged crime. *Sentencing *Case is dropped *No charges filed *The court made a mistake. When the case is over the liability is therefore gone. Therefore the collateral is no longer required.

 What Happens upon sentencing?

The bond is exonerated; it is no longer in force, which happens at the time of sentencing. In other words until such time when the court no longer request any further court appearances from the individual regarding this case. This means that an agreement has been reached between the individual and the court.

 How do you qualify for the Bond?

Since the bond is the same as a loan that you would apply for at a bank or any financial institute the same criteria would be basically the same. *How much is the bond? *What are the charges? *Who is the guarantor or indemnitor (Person signing on behalf of The individual who is currently in custody.) *Stability (How long at residence and on their job) *Ability (Can the bond be paid in full if the individual should run From the law to avoid prosecution.) *Willingness (Does the guarantor or indemnitor have good credit and own assets that can be considered available for liquidation if the individual should disappear.) *What is the integrity of the individual that has been charged with a crime. Such as: Do they have any prior arrests. If so for what? Do they have a job, family, etc? * Are they an American citizen? Do they have a passport? (Remember all criteria depends on the nature of the alleged crime and the amount of the bond.)

 What is the cost of getting a Bond?

The Department of Insurance for the State of California regulates the rates on all bonds. Legal rate is 10% for standard underwriting. There are Surety Companies that have been approved to write bonds at 8% with conditions that apply. Clients referred by their attorney are eligible for an 8% rate. Union members that provide their union cards are eligible for an 8% rate. Standard Underwriting: 10% Example: Bond is $10,000.00 X 10% = $1000.00 plus Surety Bond cost of $10.00 to $15.00 depending of Surety Company. Exception Underwriting: (8%) Example: Bond is $50,000.00 X 8%= $4000.00 Plus the $10.00 to $15.00 Surety bond cost. *These rates are regulated by the department of Insurance and inhered to by our family owned business.

 Is the Premium Refundable?

No. It is not refundable. This is the cost of doing business in which a bond needs to be posted on behalf of an individual who has currently been charged with a crime.

 Why Don't I Get My Premium Back?

Bail premiums (a.k.a. the 10% you pay) are normally fixed by contract with the state.

 Why Can't I Do A Cash Bail Myself?

You usually can for traffic and minor violations. While a few jurisdictions do allow cash bail by citizens who sign an appearance guarantee and / or post the entire bail (not just the 10% premium), most states now require a licensed bond agent.to guarantee. This way the state knows it can instantly collect the entire bond amount plus it can put the burden of apprehending those who fail to appear on the bond agency. Put another way, most states do not hassle with collateral and property, they collect bail forfeitures in cash.

 How Long Before Collateral Is Returned After The Case Is Over?

Once we receive written notification from the court that the case is over and the bond is exonerated we have 30 days to return collateral or request for reconveyance on recorded deeds of trust.

 How Long Is A Bond Good For?

A bond is only good for 1 year. If the case goes beyond the one year the premium has to be paid again to keep the bond in force.

 What If I Don't Pay The Annual Premium After The First Year?

The Bond Company has the authority to obtain an arrest warrant and the individual will be once again taken into custody and surrendered for violation and default of the contraction agreement of bond.

 Are Bail Bond Companies Allowed To Use Your Collateral?

Absolutely not! You're collateral has to be in safekeeping or in a trust account under a fiduciary trust. If the bail bonds person is not putting your collateral in safekeeping or in a trust account they are in violation of the law and I advise you to call the department of insurance in Sacramento at 916-322-3555 or the California Bail Bonds Association at 916-446-3038.

 What Happens If You Signed For An Individual And That Person  Disappears?

You have signed a binding contract if in the event the individual forfeits the bond for non-appearance and they can not be found in the six months the court allows, then the full face value of the bond is your financial responsibility and is due on demand. Remember you are financially responsible for all cost relating to this bond.

 What can I put up for collateral?

Anything of resale value! However, if you're a homeowner then a signature may be all that's needed or a lien will be placed on your home based on the bond amount and the required equity (Market Value vs. what's owed on the home).

 How do I determine equity for a home?

Recent sale amounts for homes similar to yours. For example, if you currently owe $375,000.00 on your home and the homes in your area are being sold for $475,000.00, then you have $100,000.00 equity. However, it really depends on the condition of your home and the current market. If you have questions don't be afraid to call us!

 What if the person I bail out gets re-arrested in a different county or  state?

Call us immediately so we can make sure you are protected. Communication is very important.

 Should I get an attorney to request a bail reduction?

If a case has been filed at the court by the District Attorney's office and the bail amount is high, then you may want to seek the advice of an attorney regarding possible bail reduction. However, a bail reduction hearing cannot occur until there is an official case filed by the District Attorney.

When a defendant is booked into Jail and held on new charges, the district attorney has 48 court hours to file an official complaint or else the defendant must be released. This does not mean a case will not be filed at a later time.

For example, if a defendant is arrested on a Wednesday, then the District Attorney has until Friday to file a case and officially charge the defendant in a court of law. If a defendant is arrested on a Thursday then he/she could be held until Monday or Tuesday.

Please remember this does not mean a case will not be filed upon release by bail bond or according to the 48 hour rule. Once a case has been filed by the D.A., the bail could remain, be lowered, or be increased. Once the defendant goes to court he/she could be released without posting a bond. Bail Reduction is not so simple as some attorneys claim.

The Jailor cannot reduce the bail without a court order signed by a judge. The bottom line is if a defendant is arrested on a Wednesday and does not have a court case number by Thursday, then Bail Reduction by Friday is very unlikely because the defendant will either be released under the 48 hour rule or the DA will file a case on Friday and the Defendant will have to wait for a the arraignment the following week for possible bail reduction or have someone post bail for him/her to be released from custody.

If the District Attorney files a case on Thursday, then an Attorney can request a Bail Reduction at the arraignment, which would be the following day (Friday). Bail Reduction is possible by Friday if a case has been filed by Thursday. There are no guarantees the court will grant reductions, but if the defendant has no priors then the court may grant a request. Remember justice is blind!

 Do some Bail Bond Companies give misleading information?

There have been some incidents with clients being given misleading facts on release times and bonds not being processed quickly from a well known bail bond agency.

The unnamed bail bond company has been investigated repeatedly by the California Department of Insurance. Remember when meeting with a bail agent to ask to see their California bail agent license.

There are some large Bail Bond Companies who use non-licensed employees to collect money and information from your family in order to remove the bond off the market, but not service customers quickly as promised.

It is illegal for non-licensed agents to negotiate bail.

 Can a Bail Bond Company refer an attorney?

It is against the law for a bail bond company to refer an attorney.

 What if a person has a Warrant?

In most case we can clear warrants with the court and set a new court date. However, each case is different. Call and ask for assistance.1-800-598-2245

 Are All Bail Bond Companies The Same With A Good Reputation?

No! If the bonds person is offering you any other deals other than the ones mentioned on this Question & Answer page they are violating the law in which their license are regulated. Buyer bewares. BEWARE: If the deal is too good to be true and the rate in which you may have been quoted is not the 10% or 8% this could mean trouble ahead of you. I.e.

• Thrown back in jail before 1st court date for non-compliance.
• Threatend by loan sharks.
• Muscled by thugs hired to scare you.
• Civil action taken against you for balance of bond premium. (Judgement)

 How To Choose The Right Bail Bond Company?

When it comes time to pick a bail bond agent, the choices can seem overwhelming!

While most bail bond companies can perform the basics, choosing the right one for you can make a dramatic difference. The quality of attention and help you receive from your bail agent is important throughout the bail bond process. Having peace of mind and confidence in your bail bond agent will provide you with a feeling of reassurance and calm during this difficult time.

To help you assess your choice, Patel Bail Bonds suggests asking yourself the following five questions:

1. Did your bail bond company respond promptly to your initial call or email?
A quick response to your initial call can often be an indicator of how prompt the bail bond agent will be during the rest of service.

2. Were all your questions answered fully and to your satisfaction?
While some bail bond agents may feel that providing the service is sufficient, others seek to help demystify the court and bail procedures to increase your comfort level.

3. Is your bail bond agent experienced in working on the category of problems you called about and with the specific court with which you are dealing?
As in any other business, bail bond agents develop expertise in certain areas and relationships and reputations with those with whom they work in the court and legal systems. If your bail bond agent holds an excellent reputation in both these areas, that can translate into better service for you.

4. Is your bail bond agent a respected member of the profession with a long history of prior work?
Bail bond agents who belong to professional associations typically are more up to date on changes within the industry that can affect their clients. Years of work in the industry also indicates dedication, commitment and deep understanding of the profession.

5. Does your bail bond agent seem patient, understanding and sympathetic?
Years in any industry can also result in cynicism. The bail bond industry is no exception. Be on the alert for these attitudes and seek those whose openness and optimism make YOU feel better.

 How To Contact Us?

We have several ways in which to contact us. If you are out of the area we have an 1-800-598-BAIL (2245) Phone numbers in your local areas are:

Office located for your conveniences by appointment. Remember safe surroundings. Office located in professional office complexes.

Corporate Headquarters
5220 Clark Ave.
Suite #100-D
Lakewood, CA 90712
(Next to Lakewood Sheriff Station)

 What Companies Do We Do Business Under?

1. Patel Bail Bonds.
2. Ashish Patel Bail Bonds

 What If The Charges Are Dropped The Next Day After Bonding Out An  Individual; Do You Get Partial Money Back?

No. All money is earned at the time the bond is excepted by the court or jail on behalf of the individual in custody. We have no control over the case or the bond after it has been posted.

 What Happens If There Is Collateral That Is Securing The Bond, If Non-  Payment Occurs After One Year?

Collateral will remain in the possession of the bond company until receipt of payment. Once payment has been received collateral will be returned.

Release Options:

Cash Bond
Surety Bond (common Bail Bond)
Property Bond
Own Recognizance (OR)
Citation Release (Cite Out)
Appeal Bond
Civil Bond
Federal Bond
Immigration Bond
Property Bond
Transfer Bond








Appeal Bond Is when an individual has been found guilty on the charges of which they were accused. The ''Appeal Bond'', once again secures the individuals freedom until such time as he/she reappears in court and the appeal is heard, or denied. The premium charged on ''Appeal Bonds'' is usually 20%.

Cash Bond A ''Cash Bond'' amount that is posted with the jail or the court to secure the defendants release from custody. Usually set on the person, not the offense. A judge or court may order a ''Cash Bond'' on an individual that has failed numerous times to appear in court, also for individuals who have been recalled or for child support.

Citation Release (CITE OUT) When the arresting officer issues a ticket, citation or notice to the arrestee to appear in court at a certain time or pay the amount ordered for the offense charged. ''Cite Outs'' usually occur immediately after an individual is arrested/detained for an offense.

Civil Bond When an individual has had civil litigation or accusations brought against them, and they failed to appear for court; or failed to pay the required money, of judgment.

Federal Bond Only for cases heard in Federal Courts. The premium is usually posted through and paid to the court instead of a Surety Company. The premium charged will be returned once the defendant completes his/her court appearances.

Immigration Bond Bonds written on Illegal Aliens and/or persons from other countries that are awaiting trial in the United States. Held in specific Federal Courts.

Own Recognizance or Bond An ''O.R. Bond'' constitutes an administrative pre-trial release. This is usually for minor, first time offenses when a person can sign themselves out of jail; but promise to re-appear in court at a later date, to face charges. In some jurisdictions, there is an interview process to determine if a person will be released on their own signature; personal merit.

Property Bond Property is posted for the full face amount of the bond. This is usually done through an attorney and the court. Documentation must be adequately prepared proving that the property is clear of all encumbrances and/or liens and will be pledged to the court for the defendants BAIL amount. If the defendant misses any of the court proceedings, the court may then foreclose on the property.

Surety Bond When a Surety Company and/or Bail Agent signs for and posts bond for a defendant. The guarantee by the Surety allows the accused to be released from custody until such time as the court determines guilt or innocence and sentence has been imposed. Usually a 10% premium is charged.

Transfer Bond Writing a Bond in one jurisdiction while having a Network Associate coordinate the defendants release in another jurisdiction. A Bond could be written in California, to secure a persons release in Kansas.