What makes Galilean Bail Bonds different from any other bail bonds company?

STRESS-FREE BAIL - Many bail agents feel they need to take an authoritative style approach to bail. As if they’re law enforcement. They’ll threaten you repeatedly saying they’re going to “lock you up” and seize your collateral. No one needs that stress when you’re already facing a prison sentence.

At Galilean Bail Bonds, we are not trying to be cops, nor do we want to. Bail is a business transaction; thus, we want to work with you, not against you. Our goal is to keep you out of jail, not put you back in. So, if you ever accidentally or intentionally miss your court date, do not be afraid to tell us. There are nearly 20 ways to fix your mistake. The only way we cannot fix a mistake is if you fail to communicate with us.

Can I pay for someone else’s bail?

Yes. In order to post bail for someone else, you must be a legal U.S. resident who is 18 years old or older. Beyond this most basic requirement, there are also three things you’ll have to have when posting bail. 1) A valid identification such as a driver’s license or state identification. 2) A recent paycheck stub or other proof of income. 3) A recent utility bill showing proof of residency.

Will bail money be returned if the case is dismissed or the verdict is “Not Guilty” ?

The premium paid (10%) will not be returned. This is the fee owed to the bail bonds company who posted a surety with the court in lieu of you posting the full bail amount. Example, if your bail is $100,000, you can pay the court $100,000 for your release. If you fail to appear just once, whether accidentally or intentionally, the court will keep your $100,000, forcing you to pay another $100,000 to be released. If you’re found “not guilty” or the case is dismissed, the $100,000 is returned to you.

If you pay for the services of a bail agent, and your bail is $100,000. You will pay the bail agent 10% of your bail ($10,000). If you accidentally miss your court date for any reason, you will not lose $100,000, nor would you have to re-post bail, the agent may simply re-instate the bail to continue your case with your cooperation. If you’re found to be guilty, you would’ve only lost $10,000, not $100,000.

Using the services of a bail agent is the fiscally responsible tool when navigating an uncertain criminal justice system.

What are the consequences for violating bail rules?

Violating your rules of bail may activate several events. Example, the court may issue an arrest warrant if your violation was due to missing a court date. If your violation was strictly a rule violation and not a violation of law, the bail agent may arrest you and surrender you back into the custody of the local sheriff’s office. The more common scenario is that if you cannot follow simple rules, eventually you will be arrested by law enforcement. When that happens, the bail agent will not reinstate your bail forcing you to re-post your original bail amount in addition to the bail for any new charges.

Your failure to follow the court’s and bail agency’s rules will be reported to a shared “Do Not Bail” database in which other bail agents may reference if you choose to go to another bail agency.

May I use assets to post bail?

Yes, however, using assets to secure bond may delay the process of release, due to the need for value appraisals and authenticity verification. In addition, if any form of real estate is being used, a lien investigation must be conducted first.

Are all bail bonds companies open 24/7?

This is a yes & no answer. Yes, bail businesses may offer 24-hour service, as long as someone answers the phone or has an answering service. However, per the California Insurance Code, bail agents may not solicit for bail between the hours of 11pm-7am. Meaning, we cannot make calls to your family or friends on your behalf between the hours of 11pm-7am. All contact with your agent between these hours needs to be initiated by you or your family.

Is 1%, 2% or 3% bail real?

The simple answer is NO. Low cost bail is a marketing tactic to get your business. It is illegal for any bail agent to discount bail. Bail in California is set at 10%. If a bail agent offers you 3%, 2% or 1% bail, guarantee its coming with a payment plan, which may include interest. Depending on your situation, Galilean Bail Bonds may offer you 3% down on the 10% required, but our payment plans do not exceed 45 days. Meaning, the full 10% obligation must be paid within 45 days. Any offer of a discount regarding bail by any bail agent is illegal.

What if I make a down payment and don’t complete my payments?

A down payment cannot be made without collateral. If you do not fulfill your obligation of 10%, your bond may be revoked and seizure of your collateral shall commence. In addition, the client and / or their indemnitor may incur a civil lawsuit for breach of contract.

What is the time frame of the bail process?

Assuming you have all paperwork, payment and collateral needed, the process may take 20 minutes. However, if there is a PC 1275 hold, demanding source of funding, then the process may take up to 72 hours.

Once bail is posted, actual release is determined by the jail. This may range from 30 minutes to 8 hours.