Bail Bonds FAQs

What is bail?

In short, bail is a part of our legal system that allows an accused person to be temporarily released from custody so they can continue their lives while they prepare for their day in court. In criminal cases, it is a sum of money, real property or bail bond that needs to be posted by or on behalf of a defendant to guarantee their appearance in court. The right to reasonable bail is guaranteed to you by the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States.

Is Aladdin Bail Bonds available in the San Antonio area?

Yes, Aladdin’s newest office is located in Bexar County and serves the San Antonio area.
If you’re looking for bail bonds in San Antonio, visit our office at 1303 W Houston St. San Antonio, TX 78207 or call (210) 224-4222.

(Licensed in Bexar County-License# 202)

What is the jail booking process?

The jail booking process normally takes place after a suspect is arrested and taken into custody. Several steps take place during the jail booking process, which varies from county to county:

  • The suspect’s personal information is taken by a police officer
  • Information about the alleged offense is recorded
  • The suspect’s background is searched for warrants and/or previous crimes
  • Fingerprints and photographs are taken
  • A full-body search is conducted
  • A general health check is conducted to determine whether the suspect needs medical care or is a threat to others
  • Personal items (such as keys, wallet, clothing, etc.) are taken from the suspect
  • The suspect is placed in a holding or jail cell

To determine bail amounts and get a defendant released from custody quickly, contact Aladdin Bail Bonds. We are open 24/7 for those who need to request bail help at any time. To view location/state-specific information, including costs, select the state where the defendant is located by using the dropdown option at the top of each page of our site. You can also call us at 866-512-2245, complete our contact form or call a specific Aladdin Bail Bonds office location for more information and immediate assistance.

What is the bail bond process?

The bail bond process at Aladdin Bail Bonds is a fast process that we help you through so you or your loved one can get out of jail quickly and easily. After a person is arrested, the first step in the bail bond process is contacting Aladdin for a free consultation. We work with you, your loved one and the jail to secure release. Bail rates and fees differ depending on your location.

To view location/state-specific information, including costs, select the state where the defendant is located by using the dropdown option at the top of each page of our site. You can also call us 24/7 at 866-512-2245, complete our contact form or call a specific Aladdin Bail Bonds office location for more information and immediate assistance.

How much is bail for a DUI?

Bail costs for suspects driving under the influence (DUI) varies greatly depending on several factors including the state/location of the DUI, substances used, severity of the violation a suspended license, prior offenses within a certain period and more.

To determine bail amounts and get a defendant released from custody, contact Aladdin Bail Bonds. We are open 24/7 for those who need to request bail help at any time. You can also call us at 866-512-2245, complete our contact form or call a specific Aladdin Bail Bonds office location for more information and immediate assistance.

How much is bail for domestic violence?

There is no set amount of bail for a domestic violence offense. Bail amounts are determined by the court and several other factors, including state/location, level of severity of the crime, whether you or your loved one has had prior offenses (strikes), any violation of probation and more.

The best way to find help and get a defendant released from custody is to contact us. Aladdin Bail Bonds is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for those who need to request bail help at any time. You can also call us at 866-512-2245, complete our contact form or call a specific Aladdin Bail Bonds office location for more information and immediate assistance.

Can you bail someone out of jail on a weekend?

You can bail someone out of jail on a weekend, depending on the jail facilities’ operating hours. This usually means going through a bail bond agent like Aladdin Bail Bonds. We are open 24/7 for those who need to request bail help at any time.

To view Aladdin Bail Bonds location/state-specific information, including costs, select the state where the defendant is located by using the dropdown option at the top of each page of our site. You can also call us at 866-512-2245, complete our contact form or call a specific Aladdin Bail Bonds office location for more information and immediate assistance.

Can you bail someone out of jail with no money?

Yes, you can afford to bail someone out of jail even if you don’t have money immediately on hand. By contacting Aladdin Bail Bonds, you’ll get help from an agent who will guide you through the bail bond process and get your loved one released from custody quickly. A 10% premium is normally charged for a bail bondsman’s services. However, this varies from state to state.

Aladdin Bail Bonds is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for those who need to request bail help at any time. We also provide payment plans. You can also call us at 866-512-2245, complete our contact form or call a specific Aladdin Bail Bonds office location for more information and immediate assistance.

Do you get bail money back?

The premium paid to Aladdin Bail Bonds is a percentage of the bail amount set by the court, and is the fee charged for Aladdin’s services to help release the defendant from custody.

You may qualify for a discounted premium rate from Aladdin depending on your location (discounts offered in select states), union member status, whether you have a private defense attorney or whether you or any of your immediate family are an active member or veteran of the United States Military Armed Forces. We also offer flexible payment plans. See more information here. To view location/state-specific information, including costs, select the state where the defendant is located by using the dropdown option at the top of each page of our site. You can also call us 24/7 at 866-512-2245, complete our contact form or call a specific Aladdin Bail Bonds office location for more information and immediate assistance.

Can you bail yourself out of jail?

Yes, you can bail yourself out of jail. A loved one can also facilitate the bail process on your behalf so you can be released from custody quickly and easily. The three-step process is the same regardless of whether you or your loved one contacts Aladdin Bail Bonds for help. Here are the three steps in the bail process after arrest:

  1. A bail amount is set by the court to ensure the defendant appears at the scheduled court date following release from jail.
  2. Contact Aladdin for a free consultation and bail information.
  3. We work with you, your loved one and the jail to secure release by issuing a bail bond in the amount set by the court.

Bail rates and fees differ depending on your location. To view state-specific information, including costs, select the state where the defendant is located by using the dropdown option at the top of each page of our site. You can also call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 866-512-2245, complete our contact form or call a specific Aladdin Bail Bonds office location for more information and immediate assistance.

How does a bail bond work?

The court system will set the amount of bail required for the defendant’s release. Under state law, a company can provide a “bail bond” that guarantees payment of the full bail amount to the court if the defendant does not show up for all scheduled appearances. These bail bonds are offered by licensed bail service providers. For providing the pre-trial release service, bail service providers charge a premium – a percentage of the total bail amount, typically 10%. For example, for a bail amount set at $20,000, the premium would be about $ $2,000 plus any additional fees required. The bail service provider must charge the premium rate that it has filed with the Department of Insurance and the premium is not refundable once the defendant is released.

What is a bail bond?

A bail bond is a financial guarantee made by or on behalf of a criminal defendant that is used to guarantee their appearance in court through the end of their trial. Failure by the defendant to appear will result in a bail bond forfeiture.

What is the difference between bail bond amount and premium?

The bail bond amount is the full amount of the bail that is set by the court. The premium is the dollar amount charged by the bail service provider for providing the pre-trial release service. Usually this premium is 10% of the bail amount. For example, if the bail amount is $20,000, the premium charged would be $2,000.

Who is a co-signer/guarantor?

A co-signer/guarantor is the person(s) willing to be responsible for the defendant while they are out on bail and who co-assumes financial responsibility, including guarantee of the full bail bond amount.

What does it mean when a bail bond is exonerated?

A bail bond is exonerated when the legal process/trial has finished. It does not matter whether the defendant is found guilty/innocent or if the case has been dismissed. At this point, the bail bond is discharged. However, any unpaid premium, fees or other amounts charged by the bail service provider are still owed.

When does a forfeiture take place?

A forfeiture occurs when a defendant fails to appear in court. If a defendant misses a court date, a bench warrant is issued for their arrest. It is possible in many cases that the bail bond may be “reinstated” by the defendant working with Aladdin to report back to the court, which allows the court to set a new trial date for the defendant.

What is a summary judgment?

A summary judgment is issued by the court if, following a bail bond forfeiture, the deadline for reinstating the bond or returning the defendant to custody has passed. Upon issuance of a summary judgment, the full bail amount must be paid.

What is a reinstatement?

This is a process by which a defendant who has failed to appear in court can have their bench warrant removed and the bail bond re-activated or “reinstated” with the court. The defendant, working with Aladdin, will report back to the court which allows the court to set a new court date for the defendant. This proceeding may result in additional fees to the defendant/co-signer.

What is considered by the court in fixing the amount of the bail?

The amount of the bail is first and foremost within the scope and discretion of the judge or magistrate, with only two general limitations:

  1. The purpose of bail is not to penalize or punish the defendant, but only to secure the appearance of the accused, and it should be set with that in mind.
  2. Excessive bail, not warranted by the circumstances or the evidence at hand, is not only improper but a violation of constitutional rights. In fixing the amount of the bail, the court takes into consideration the seriousness of the charge, the defendant’s previous criminal record and the probability of the defendant appearing at the trial or hearing.

Additionally, if public safety is an issue, the court may make an inquiry where it may consider allegations of injury to the victim, danger to the public and/or to the defendant, threats to the victim or a witness, the use of a deadly weapon and the defendant’s use or possession of controlled substances. A judge or magistrate setting bail in other than a scheduled or usual amount must state on the record the reasons and address the issue of threats made against a victim or a witness. The court must also consider evidence offered by the detained person regarding ties to the community and ability to post bond. The bail amount set by the court must be within the minimum range amount of bail that would reasonably assure the defendant’s appearance – NOT the maximum! It is important to remember that it is the court magistrate that determines bail amounts.

How much does it cost to bail someone out of jail?

All cases are different. To answer this question in your case please contact a licensed member of our staff in the nearest Aladdin Bail Bonds office, or by calling us at (800) 300-Bail and we can help direct you.

How do I make payments?

Online Payments

The fastest, easiest way to make your payment is online at our website.

  • It’s free.*
  • It’s available 24 hours a day.
  • No enrollment required.

Click here to make a one-time payment with a credit card, debit card or electronic check.

*Subject to customer’s credit/debit/bank transaction fees.

Phone Payments

Use Automated Self-Service Option
Call (866) 543-7680 to use the automated phone payment system to make an automated payment anytime of the day or night.

Speak to Live Agent
Call (800) 774-7452 to speak with an Aladdin representative who is specially trained to help you make a payment arrangement that suits your individual needs. You can use a credit card, debit card or electronic check.

In Person Payments

You may walk your payments into any of our many local offices. Click here to find the location near you. We accept cash, personal checks, money orders, and most major credit and debit cards.

Mail Payments

Payments can be made by sending a check or money order (no cash, please) to the following address:

Aladdin Bail Bonds
Payment Processing Center
PO Box 2606
Carlsbad, CA 92011

Payments will be processed within five business days after receipt.

What are the normal work hours for Financial Services?

Financial Services is here to assist you Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (PST) and Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (PST).