When the bond has been exonerated by the court and all financial obligations to Vista Bail Bonds are satisfied, the collateral must be promptly returned. California law strictly mandates this. Unless other arraignments are made, any collateral will be returned to the owner’s that originally pledged and signed for it.
What is the Cosigner responsible for?
The Bail Agreement spells out the relationship and obligations between the defendant, cosigner/indemintor(s) and Vista Bail Bonds® and our Surety Insurance Company. When you bail somebody out, you agree to accept full financial responsibility for the bail amount should the defendant fail to appear in court. You are not criminally liable, but you are financially liable. If the defendant makes all court appearances, the premium paid is the only cost associated with the bail bond.
What happens if a defendant is bailed out and fails to appear in court?
The court will order the bond forfeited. A forfeiture occurs when a defendant fails to appear when ordered by the court. If this happens, Vista Bail Bonds® is allowed approximately six months to “surrender” the defendant back to the custody of the court before having to pay the full bond amount. If the defendant can not be found, the Court will demand payment of the full bond amount from Vista Bail Bonds. Fortunately most bail bond issues or problems happen by accident and are easy and quick to resolve, although some problems do escalate beyond a simple phone call.
What if the defendant is not bailed out?
The defendant will remain in custody until either their case is resolved or the Judge lets them go on their promise to come back.
Are Bail Agents licensed?
Yes. Anyone that wants to write bail in the State of California must undergo a background check, complete a pre-licensing class and pass the state examination in order to obtain a license from the California Department of Insurance. To maintain this license, every 2 years a bail agent must complete 12 hours of continuing education approved by the State of California.
Why should I trust Vista Bail Bonds®?
Our family has been in the bail bond business in Vista since 1959. Vista Bail Bonds® is a proud member, in good standing, of the Better Business Bureau, California Bail Agents Association, Vista Chamber of Commerce, San Diego Bail Agents Association. Please feel free to inquire about us in each of these organizations. You can also contact the California Department of Insurance at 1-800-927-4357 to inquire about Vista Bail Bonds Inc.