Home Blog Bail Bonds 1% Bail Bonds Post Image

March 31, 2022  |  Posted by Balboa Bail Bonds Team  |  Bail Bonds

You may have heard the term “1% bail bonds” at the jail, court or online. In this article we discuss what a 1% bail bond means, the pros and cons and how to qualify for low down payments and bail bond financing.

A few important notes to get started:

  • 1% down bail bonds, payment plans and financing is only in available in the state of California.
  • No payment plans or financing is available on immigration of federal bail bonds. 
  • 1% is a down payment with monthly payments on the balance 10% being the total cost to pay the bail bonds company.
  • Bail bond financing and payment plans are available on approved credit and employment history.

At the same time, the time between the arrest and the trial is extremely important. During this period, you can work with your lawyer, prepare for trial, and continue to work, which allows you to support yourself and your family financially. 

But with bail amounts set by the courts varying between $5,000-10,000 for minor misdemeanors and over $50,000 for violent crimes, many arrested people end up missing their chance to access these benefits.

That’s where 1% bail bonds can be an essential tool you can use to pay the bail amount and find a way out of jail without running into significant costs. But how do 1% down bail bonds work? Learn all you need to know to get yourself or a loved one out of jail in this guide by Balboa Bail Bonds.

How Do Bail Bonds Work? An Overview

Before diving into the specific of 1% down bail bonds, let’s focus on what bail bonds are and what the legislation requires in California. 

The “bail” is a monetary sum that the judge might request to release an arrested suspect while they are still in custody or waiting for their court hearing. 

This “release” fee is agreed upon in advance and is designed to ensure that an arrested person will appear at their court hearings. If they do, the bail will be paid back after the trial. 

However, bail amounts can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on the crime involved – and they have been constantly on the rise! 

Because of this, many defendants aren’t able to claim their financial (or non-financial if collaterals are used) release. That is where a bail bond can help. 

While banks and lending institutions don’t usually provide bail, a specialized company like Balboa Bail Bonds can supply the monetary funds needed to grant the release of a defendant. The bail bondsman will post the bail, which is secured by collateral (i.e.: properties or assets of the defendant’s family). Once the accused follows the necessary legal process, the funds are released back to the bond agency. 

While the bail system is undergoing drastic changes – also to prevent discrimination against low-income households – a bail bond remains the only way out of jail for most defendants in the US.

What Are 1% Bail Bonds in California?

During a bail process, bail bonds allow you to obtain the funds necessary to be released from jail. But it is essential to acknowledge the risks that the bonds agency will run when securing your bail. That is why this service does not come entirely for free. In particular, in the State of California, a bondsman is legally required to ask for a minimum of 10% of the cost of the bail. 

So, what are 1% down bail bonds? And do even 1%-bail bonds exist? 

1% bail bonds are those bonds that require a defendant to pay the bondsman 1% of the bail amount for the agency to post the full bail to the court. While this term is often used to describe fast and affordable bonds, it is not legally possible for an accused to pay so little and still secure their bail. 

So, where’s the catch? There is none!

When working with Balboa Bail Bonds – and if you meet all eligibility conditions – you’ll be able to secure the full bail by making a 1% down payment. Thanks to this strategy, you will be able to leave jail, prepare for trial, and continue to support yourself financially. 

Once released, the defendant (or bonded individual) will be required to keep up with a bond repayment plan they have agreed upon with their bondsman. 

How To Qualify for a 1% Bail Bond in California

While here at Balboa Bail Bonds our bondsmen work hard to guarantee each of our clients the lowest possible rates, not everyone is eligible for a 1% bail bond. Here are some of the eligibility requirements you will need to meet:

  • The defendant must be a legal resident of California
  • The defendant must be able to provide proof of employment, California ID, and residency.
  • The defendant must be able to provide proof of credit
  • The defendant or indemnitor’s annual income must be greater than the total bail amount
  • 1% bail bonds are designed for first-time offenders only 

It is also important to notice that, depending on your bond agency, there are factors to keep into consideration:

  • If you are self-employed, freelancing, or on unemployment benefits, you will not be able to qualify for repayment plans. In turn, the only options available to you would be 10% bail bonds or above. 
  • Once you or your loved one leaves jail, the defendant will need to keep up with the repayments schedule set by the bond agency.
  • If the total bail amount is greater than $100,000, you might also be required to supply the bond agency with collateral. 

If you meet these requirements, 1% bail bonds can help you get out of jail quickly (even within 24 hours!) and affordably. Unsure whether you qualify or how to get started? 

Type of Crimes That Qualify for a 1% Bail Bond

Aside from the requirements that the defendant needs to meet, it is also important to look at what crimes a 1% bail bond can help you with. 

Some of the most common charges that are eligible for a 1% bail bond include:

  • DUI and DUI accidents
  • Child abuse and domestic violence
  • Violating court orders
  • Resisting an Executive Officer
  • Resisting Arrest
  • Assault
  • Great bodily injury (GBI) or death threats

Oppositely, 1% bail bonds are commonly not available for crimes that include FTA warrants, Identity Theft, Prostitution, Pimping, Fraud, Drug charges, and Petty Theft. Additionally, bonds outside of California and those below a minimum amount of $10,000 are not always eligible. 

What To Expect From Balboa Bail Bonds

The benefits of applying for a 1% bail bond are endless. But not all bond agencies are created equal. And, in a moment when you or a loved one is in jail, it is important to find a bondsman you can trust and rely on. 

Here at Balboa Bail Bonds, we have decades of experience in helping defendants obtain bail bonds and payment plans that are fast, affordable, and tailored to their unique needs. 

When partnering with us, you can expect:

  • 24\7 bail bonds services across the State of California. 
  • Communication via email, phone, or live chat.
  • Southern California offices located in a range of locations, including Downtown San Diego, Del Mar, San Diego, Ontario, San Bernardino, and Riverside.
  • Qualifying clients can receive their bond within 24 hours and be released immediately. While the release process takes 1-2 hours, you can expect your bail to be processed between 7-10 hours.
  • Limited credit checks and paperwork
  • No hidden fees, finance, or interest
  • Approval submitted in-person, online, or over the phone
  • Tailored and flexible payment plans that are suitable for your unique financial circumstances
  • A team of experienced and bilingual bondsmen who can help you in Spanish or English
  • Free price quotes and first consultation

At Balboa Bail Bonds, we strive to make getting out of jail an easy and accessible process. That is why we offer the lowest prices guaranteed. When working with us, you will only be required to pay 1% of the bail amount as a down payment. After your release, you will need to keep up with a repayment plan to reach 10% of the bail amount – which is the total cost of our service. 

The Advantages of a 1% Bail Bond

Unlike other types of bail bonds, opting for a 1% bail bond makes getting out of jail an affordable process. When applying for a bond, you will be required to submit a few details about yourself or the defendant. 

For example, our bondsmen will require your name, date of birth, contact details, address, proof of employment, background information, and your Social Security number. 

Once you have secured your bail bond, you can enjoy some important benefits, including:

  • The ability to leave jail and start working with your lawyer
  • The chance to start preparing for trial, collecting evidence, and produce important details that can make a difference during your trial
  • The ability to return to work immediately, which can help you maintain your job and support yourself and your family throughout the trial process.
  • The opportunity to protect your assets and prevent a liquidation process, which might lead to thorough investigations into your finances. 

Ultimately, if you don’t have the means to pay your bail, but you can count on a stable job and strong financial history, a 1% bail bond can help you boost your chances of winning your case. 

Help a Loved One Get Out of Jail With Balboa Bail Bond

At Balboa Bail Bonds, we are committed to helping each and every one of our clients find a suitable solution to leave jail and regain control of their lives. 

If your loved one is a hard-working person with a stable job, 1% down bail bonds represent a fast, affordable, and straightforward way to get them out of jail while awaiting trial. 


Tags: