Keep Bailing

In the world of bail, there are different variations when it comes to the types of bonds used, and ways to have people released from jail.  While the words “bail” and “bail bond” are often used interchangably, there is definately a difference.

Specifically, according to Princeton University’s WordNet, Bail (as a noun) is: ”the legal system that allows an accused person to be temporarily released from custody (usually on condition that a sum of money guarantees their appearance at trial).”

And, Bail (as a verb) is: “secure the release of (someone) by providing security.”

Both “Bail” and “Bail Bonds” accomplish Bail as a verb – they get the defendant out of jail while they await court. Let’s see if we can clarify…

Bail

Without a bondsman, a individual can Read more »

The Roman Polanski roller-coaster keeps on moving. The famed director of “Chinatown” and “Rosemary’s Baby,” continues his battle to avoid U.S. extradition.  As of last weekend, Polanski’s French lawyers presented an even bigger cash bail offer for the release of the director.

With this new offer, Polanski and his attorney’s have requested the Swiss Court reverse the government decision which declines his bail all together. However, they continue to turn down his appeals, stating his flight risk is “still too high.”  Polanski still holds citizenship in both France and Poland.

The amount of the recent offer made to the Swiss Criminal Court Read more »

In order to get released from jail, one would customarily use the services of a traditional bail bondsman or post the full cash bail with the jail.  At the Ventura County jail, which is just a few miles from my office, they have a new way to post bail.  It’s called credit card bail.

How Credit Card Bail Works

The Ventura jail phone has a toll free 800 phone number posted near the phone.  An inmate or family member can call this phone number to bail out of jail.   Here is how it works:  Let’s say you have a bail for $20,000.    This credit card bail system allows the inmate to have the full bail charged (plus a 7% processing fee for Ventura County) to a credit card.  For example, on a $20,000 bail bond, an inmate would be charged a total of $21,400 for release from jail.  Once the defendant has appeared in court, they would be refunded $20,000.  The net effect of this transaction is that the inmate would be charged 7% to be bailed out of jail.   Who gets to keep the 7%?  It seems that the county takes a cut and the “third party” unlicensed processing entity makes a nice profit.

Ventura County is not the only county in California that enables inmates to bail out using a credit card.  In fact, several states now utilize some form of this process.  Over the past several years, credit card bail seems to be spreading like wildfire.

Why is this bad for California?

1. No accountability.  What happens when the defendant Read more »