Frequently Asked Questions

How Is Bail Set?

After booking the defendant, the arresting officer files a probable cause affidavit with the court. This is basically the officer’s short version of what the allegations against the defendant are. The judge reads this report and checks the defendant’s criminal history. At that point, the judge sets the bail amount. The seriousness of the allegations and the length of the defendant’s prior arrest history are probably the most important factors in determining the amount of bail set by the judge.

How long does it take to get out of jail?

The paperwork takes approximately 15-30 minutes. The release time after the jail receives our paperwork is generally less than one hour for county jails. Generally speaking, the busier the holding facility, the longer it takes.

Where are you located?

24/7 Louie Perez Bail Bonds 112 W College Ave San Angelo, TX 76903 Tom Green County

Why don’t I get my premium back?

The bail bond company puts up the full amount of the bond. Bail Premiums (the money you pay) are paid to the bonding agency for the use of their money.

Why can’t I do a cash bond myself?

You usually can for traffic and minor violations. While a few jurisdictions do allow cash bail by the citizens that sign an appearance guarantee and/or post the entire bail, most states now require a bail bond agent to guarantee it. This way the state knows it can instantly collect the entire bond amount plus it can put the burden of apprehending those who fail to appear on the bail bond agency. Simply said, Texas does not “mess with” collateral and property; they collect the bail forfeitures in cash.

When do I get my collateral back?

Upon completion of the court case. This happens when: the charges are dropped, the person is found innocent at trial, or the person is sentenced to probation/jail time and disposition papers are presented to 24/7 Louie Perez Bail Bonds. Of course, the collateral will only be returned if there is no outstanding balance due on the premium. The bail bond agent has a fiduciary (formal legal) responsibility to safeguard all collateral.

What happens if the person does not appear in court as promised?

A bench warrant is issued for the person’s arrest and the person’s name will appear in TCIC computer database network as a fugitive. Although specifics vary depending on the jurisdiction, generally the Court also authorizes the bail bond agency arrest authority for the individual as well. The bail bond agency normally calls the person’s home, work, and other references to try to find the fugitive and convince them to appear. If these efforts are unsuccessful, the agency may then search and employ apprehension specialist (private investigators) to arrest the fugitive. From the perspective of someone who guaranteed the appearance by posting collateral or security deposit, you want to convince the fugitive to surrender himself/herself to the police or court as soon as possible. Normally, if the fugitive is returned before actual remittance to the state; sometimes, upon authorization the Courts and the bail bond company, you may get your collateral back. If the fugitive does not surrender and cannot be found by the forfeiture date, the bail bond agency remits the entire bond to the Court and proceeds with legal action to seize, if necessary and liquidate your collateral or security deposit. By law, the bail bond agency is required to refund any value received in excess of the bail amount following liquidation.

What is a bail bond?

A person arrested on a criminal charge may be held until trial, unless they furnish the required bail. The posting of a bail bond acquired by or on behalf of the incarcerated person is issued, the bonding company guarantees that the defendant will appear in court at a given time and place.

The jurisdiction in whose court the defendant must appear, is protected by the bond. If the defendant fails to appear, the bond amount becomes payable and is forfeited as a penalty by the surety issuing the bond. Bail bonds usually require collateral or a security deposit to protect the surety.

As you can see, there are a number of ways we can help you secure the release of your friend or family member from jail. Our phones are answered 24/7/365. If you are not sure if we can help you, please call and we can explain the situation. It is always best to hire an attorney prior to your first court date.