If you or a loved one has been arrested, it’s vital that you make the most of the time prior to starting a trial to prepare your court case, work with your legal representation, collect evidence, and return to your daily life. These proactive approaches will make a big difference in your ability to fight the charges, rather than spending your time in jail, but what happens if you can’t afford the bail set by the judge? Luckily, there is another option that you can take advantage of. Bail bonds are a lifeline for people to get out of jail, and while most bond agencies in the state of California will require a 10% payment of the bail amount to post the release fee to the court, this is where a 6% bail bond can make a big difference.
What Are 6% Bail Bonds?
6% bail bonds are a certain category of the standard bail bond and are similar to personal loans, but offered by bond agencies rather than a traditional lender. When somebody applies for a bail bond, they will need to put down an initial payment, which is the percentage of the total bail amount, and the bail agency posts the remaining percentage directly to the court.
In California, the minimum payment required by the state court system to obtain bail is 10%, which means the bond agent is not legally allowed to ask for a lower rate, but in some cases, you can benefit from a discounted rate of 6%, where the defendant pays 6% of the total amount and signs a written promise that they will attend court proceedings.
The contract is also signed by a co-signer, usually a relative or friend, and the co-signer will have to put down a level of collateral, which could be their house or a car if the accused misses the court hearings.
As the minimum percentage is 10% in the state of California, this means that initially, the defendant will need to pay 6% off that bail amount, they are required to pay the remaining 4% after their release.
How Do You Qualify for a 6% Bail Bond?
In many cases, you will not need any collateral for a 6% bail bond. If either you have a co-signer that has evidence of steady income or you have a steady income yourself and proof of employment, this usually acts as your credit.
To qualify for a 6% bail bond, you will need the following:
- Proof of current employment.
- A valid California state ID.
- A co-signer.
How Do You Apply for a 6% Bail Bond?
The process of applying for a bail bond can be very stressful on top of the demands placed upon the individual, but thankfully the process of applying for a 6% bail bond is as straightforward as possible. Our online application process means that a trusted individual like a relative or friend can complete the application online in a remote setting.
If you are arranging the bail bond yourself, at Balboa Bail Bonds we pride ourselves on a personal approach, and our agents can meet you at the local courthouse or in the jail where you are detained.
While the entire process can be completed online, including the application, signing, and paying the 6% bail bond, you will always have an experienced and professional agent throughout the entire process.
Our bond agents understand that everybody has a unique case to answer. You can always get in contact with one of our offices or call us at (619) 432-6345.
The Benefits of a 6% Bail Bond
Many people can struggle to pay the full 10% bail bond upfront, which is why the current bail system in California has undergone a number of changes to ensure that defendants are able to afford their bail, despite low incomes.
The only way to leave jail prior to trial is to post bail or use assets as collateral. You do not need to produce 10% of the entire bail amount to be released; a 6% bail bond means you can save a lot of money, which buys you time to return to work to earn more to pay the remaining bond and hire a legal specialist to start building your case.
It can help you in a number of areas, however, it’s important to note that it depends on the crime that has been committed. 6% bail bonds can help in some common crimes, including:
- DUI, which can result in 6 months in a California jail, and with additional child endangerment charges, a term time of 2 to 6 years in prison, and bail exceeding $10,000.
- Assault and Battery, which are two different charges, but when put together, can lead to high bail amounts. If a deadly weapon is used, charges may also include Aggravated Assault and Battery.
- Domestic violence, which can come with jail time, and is where a 6% bail bond can support your case through the trial.
What Are the Alternatives to 6% Bail Bonds?
If you are trying to find the right bail bond for your needs, you’ve got to understand how much you need to pay upfront. 10% is the total figure for bail, but we can also offer a number of repayment plans to suit your needs.
If you cannot afford a large down payment, there are other options available, including 0% and 1% bail bonds, which can be harder to access, but with the right level of support, you can grant your release in the short term. There are also discounted rates for specific individuals, including:
- Homeowners.
- Law enforcement members.
- Military and government members.
- AARP members.
- Teachers.
- Union members.
- Existing clients and their families.
Use 6% Bail Bonds to Your Advantage
It’s crucial to find the right bail bond for your needs to help you navigate the legal processes. At Balboa Bail Bonds, we can make the process even more easier and accessible. If you or a loved one is facing time in jail and they need to prepare their case, 6% bail bonds can be exactly what you need. Get in contact with us today and see how we can help you.
Tags: 6% Bail Bonds