The experience of being arrested can be painful and distressing. In such a situation, the individual naturally wishes to locate a resource for obtaining a release from custody. Bail provides a method for accomplishing this goal.

Bail has evolved over the last several centuries from a system in medieval England, which was devised for the purpose of keeping peace. Under this system responsibility for a defendant was placed on a whole township to ensure the defendant would make an appearance before the court.

The first major change in federal bail law since the 18th century was enacted by Congress in 1966. Under the Bail Reform Act of 1966 a principle was created for releasing a defendant with as little burden as possible to ensure his or her appearance before the court.

Today individuals who have been arrested for a crime may obtain release from custody by posting a bond with the court. Such services can be obtained through a bail bond agent. The bail bond agent charges a fee for this service, commonly 10% of the full bail amount. Depending on the situation, the bail bond agent may also require the defendant to post additional physical collateral along with the bail bond agreement.

Posting a bail bond encourages defendants to appear on requested dates before the court. In the event the defendant fails to appear before the court, the person who posted the bail will then become responsible for paying the full amount of the bail. After the defendant is located and arrested for skipping bail, the indeminator will become also become responsible for all costs that are incurred by the bail agent during the search for the defendant.

At BailBondsCompanyCalifornia.com, we are able to provide you with resources that will assist you in selecting a bail bond agent in the event you should require bail services as well as understanding the bail bond process.