Robert L.

The bail bond agreement usually requires that you stay within the state. That means you cannot leave California if released on a bail bond. The court imposes this condition so that you remain available for court appearances, as leaving suggests that you are a flight risk. When you post bail, the court or bail bondsman usually tells you the travel limitations.

You can request permission in advance if you have a good reason to leave, such as a family emergency or work-related travel. This permission mainly needs the approval of the court and your bail bondsman.

Once you fail to obtain prior consent before crossing state lines, you can face severe consequences for your actions; revocation of the bail, forfeiture of the bond amount, and even re-arrest.

Bondsmen sometimes require collateral when to reduce their financial risk and ensure you will show up for court proceedings. Collateral can be in the form of high-value assets. Real estate is one of the most common types since homes, land, or other properties are substantial guarantees due to their high market value and stability. The bondsman will usually assess the equity of the property you or a family member owns before accepting it if you or they own property.

Cars, boats, or motorcycles are also often accepted as collateral if the vehicle is owned outright, as are personal vehicles. For those bondsmen, high-value items like jewelry, collectibles, or high-value electronics may be considered if they meet the required value threshold. In addition, some bondsmen will accept investments in stocks, bonds, or certificates of deposit since these financial instruments can be liquidated.

Cash is also possible, and sometimes it reduces the collateral needed, but not all bondsmen require it exclusively. The primary purpose of collateral is to allay the bondsman’s fears that the funds will be recoverable if the bond is forfeited. That safeguard helps both parties feel secure through the bail process.

Bail bonds are part of the public record, so everything related to your bail bond and any related court proceedings is open to the public. After a bail bond is posted, the details are usually recorded in the court’s records, and some information may be available upon request. It can include the defendant's name, case number, bond amount, and court dates.

If privacy is a concern, we can answer questions about our confidentiality practices and what can be done to keep your information as private as possible. However, judicial proceedings are transparent, and some level of public record is unavoidable in the legal process.