Posting a bail bond involves a contractual undertaking guaranteed by a bail agency, surety and the indemnitor (usually a relative or close friend). The bail bond is a financial guarantee to the court that the defendant will appear in court each and every time the court orders him/her to do so.

For this service, the bail agent charges a premium for the service (10% of the full bail amount, it is a standard fee set by the California licensed Surety Companies and the California Department of Insurance) In addition, the bail agency may require physical collateral, the signing of a bail bond agreement (contract), or both, depending on the individual circumstances. Often times a defendant can be bailed out of jail with only the signature of a responsible indemnitor.

After an agreement is reached between the bail agent and the indemnitor and all fees are paid, the bail agent physically posts a bail bond for the full bail amount with the jail or court. The defendant will be released on bail and given a date, time and location to appear in court.

It is very important the indemnitor feels confident that the defendant is going to appear for each and every court appearance until the bail bond is exonerated. The indemnitor is responsible for the full amount of the bail and any and all other expenses if the court should forfeit this bond.