How long will it take to get a friend or loved one out of jail?
        What happens when someone gets arrested?
        Can I speak to the person who has been arrested?
        What does a bail agent do?
        Can I do a cash bond myself?
        What is the premium and will I get it back?
        What is collateral?
        If the defendant misses court what happens?

How long will it take to get a friend or loved one out of jail?
It only takes about 30 minutes to do the paperwork for a bail bond. After the jail receives our paperwork, the release time is usually an hour or less for local police stations.  County jails and larger holding facilities generally take longer.

What happens when someone gets arrested?
When a person is arrested they are usually taken to a holding facility or to jail.

Can I speak to the person who has been arrested and is waiting to be booked?
No, the accused can make as many calls as are neccessary to family, friends and/or the bail company to give needed information to negotiate the bail bond. The calls may be limited in length to allow only the passing on of required information between the parties involved. (Gia Martinez Bail Bonds accepts all collect calls from the defendant and family/friends while negotiating the defendant's release).

What does a bail agent do?
A bail agent is the person who posts your bond with the jail and gets the defendant released. The bail bond agent is also responsible for making sure the defendant shows up for his or her court dates.

Can I do a cash bond myself?
Yes, for traffic and other minor violations you usually can. However, most states like California require a licensed bond agent to guarantee larger bonds.

What is the premium and will I get it back?
The premium is 10% of the total bond amount, which is collected Gia Martinez Bail Bonds. It is the bail company's source of income and is non-refundable as required by California laws.

What is collateral?
Collateral is something of monetary value that is used to secure a bail bond. Usually this simply requires the signing of a promissory note and indemnity agreement (a promise to pay back the amount of the bond if it is forfeited).  Property may also be used as collateral. Examples would be cash, a car, a boat, or anything of high monetary value.

If the defendant misses court what happens?
If the defendant misses a court appearance when required to do so, the court will forfeit the bond. Unless the defendant is returned to the jurisdiction of the court within a specified time the full amount of the bond must be paid. In cases where the defendant's non-appearance was a mistake and the defendant cooperates with Gia Martinez Bail Bonds to correct the mistake, the matter can be cleared up relatively easily with little or no costs involved. If, on the other hand, the defendant does not cooperate, then Gia Martinez Bail Bonds and co-signer must take immediate steps to "cure" the forfeiture. This can include the hiring of bail investigators. The co-signer is responsible for all costs involved.

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