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You’ve gone through the process of obtaining a bail bond to get yourself or a loved one out of jail. It helped you during a very stressful time, though it makes you ponder: how long does a bail bond last? Many people are worried that their bail bond will run out and they’ll be forced to return to jail.
The good news is that you shouldn’t have much to worry about - and we’ll explain what we mean in this guide.
Understanding Bail Bond Lifespans
The lifespan of a bail bond in California will last until your trial concludes, as per the regulations by the California Department of Insurance. This prevents instances where you’re forced back to jail before your case ends - which could result in an innocent party getting unnecessary jail time.
Factors Affecting Bond Length
There is one major caveat in the duration of a bail bond. Your bond will only last until the end of your case if you are on your best behavior and don’t void the bail bond terms. For those who are unaware, bail bond violations will result in your bail bond being revoked. A warrant will be issued for your arrest and you may need to obtain a new bail bond to get out of jail again.
Different bail bonds may have different terms & conditions depending on the individual, their crime, and their criminal history. However, the most basic term affecting all bail bonds is that you must attend all court appearances. Fail to turn up to court and the bond can be revoked.
As such, your behavior is a significant factor affecting the bond length. The only other factor is the trial length. Complicated cases can go on for months, while some of the more straightforward ones are over in a matter of weeks. Delays to your trial will also extend the length of your bail bond - remember, as long as you don’t void the terms/conditions, your bail bond must last until your trial ends.
What Happens When A Bail Bond Ends?
This depends on the circumstances surrounding the ending of your bail bond. If it ends because you went against the terms and conditions, you’ll be forced to pay the entirety of your bail amount to the court. You will also be re-arrested under new charges, which could result in another bail bond - though some courts may not give you another bail bond as they see you as too much of a risk.
On the other hand, if your bail bond ends naturally, then you don’t have to pay it back. You’ll either need to face the charges, or you’ll be free to go home as an innocent individual. If you paid for the bail bond using your own cash, it’ll all be refunded to you. If you used a bail bond agency, the bail amount is refunded to the agent, and they keep the service fee they charged you.
Find The Right Bail Bond in California
All bail bonds in California will last for the duration of your trial. However, it’s important to find the right bail bond for your situation. Get in touch with Alana’s Bail Bonds today and we’ll discuss your situation to find the most suitable bail bond possible. You or your loved one will be out of jail ASAP and ready to attend your court dates.