How Bail Works
There are five release options available
to a person who's been arrested. They are CASH BAIL, SURETY
BOND, PROPERTY BOND, release on his or her OWN RECOGNIZANCE
(OR), and release on CITATION or what is termed as a "Cite
Out."
CASH BOND/BAIL
To be released on cash bail, a person
must post with the court the total amount of the bail, in cash,
to secure his/her return to court on an appointed date, and
thereafter until the case is finished. Full cash bonds are an
incentive for defendants to appear at trial. If the defendant
appears for his/her court appearances, the cash will be returned
to him/her within 60-90 days. However, he/she fails to appear,
the cash bond is forfeited to the court!
PROPERTY BOND
Depending on the court jurisdiction an
individual may obtain release from custody by posting a property
bond with the court. Here a court records a lien on property,
to secure the bail amount. If the defendant fails to appear
in court of his/her designated date, the court may start foreclosure
proceedings against the property to obtain the forfeited bail
amount.
OWN RECOGNIZANCE (OR)
Another method of release pending trial
is through a county or law enforcement administered pre-trial
release program. Typically a deputy or staff member of the jail
will interview a defendant and
more..
How Bail Works
California Bail Schedules
Jails & Courts