Flexible Options
We Work With Your Budget
Getting your loved one out of jail shouldn't mean financial ruin. Chad has been structuring flexible payment plans since 2008 — we find a way.
How Bail Bond Costs Work
In California, the bail bond premium is set by law at 10% of the total bail amount. That means if bail is set at $50,000, the premium is $5,000. That 10% is the fee for the bail bond service — it is not a deposit, and it is not refunded when the case ends.
What Chad can do is work with you on how and when that 10% gets paid. You don't always have to come up with the full amount upfront. That's where payment plans come in.
Your Options
Standard 10% Premium
Pay the full 10% premium upfront and we get your loved one out immediately. This is the fastest path — often within hours of the call.
Low Down Payment
Qualify to put a smaller amount down and pay the remainder over time. Down payment amount depends on the bail amount, your situation, and the co-signer's credit and stability.
6–9 Month Payment Plans
Spread the remaining balance over 6 to 9 months with a structured payment schedule. We set up a plan that works for your income and keeps everything on track.
Co-Signer Arrangements
A co-signer with stable income, good credit, or property can help qualify for better terms. The co-signer takes on responsibility for the bond — we explain exactly what that means before anyone signs.
Ways to Pay
We accept whatever is easiest for you.
Common Questions
Is the 10% premium refundable?
No. The premium is the fee for the bail bond service. It is earned when the defendant is released. It does not come back at the end of the case regardless of outcome.
What if I can't afford the down payment?
Call us and explain your situation honestly. We've worked with families in every kind of financial circumstance. Sometimes a co-signer changes the picture entirely. We'd rather find a way than turn you away.
What happens if I miss a payment?
Contact us before you miss it — that's the most important thing. We work with people who communicate. What we can't work with is silence. If payments stop and we can't reach you, the bond can be at risk.
Do you run a credit check?
Sometimes, depending on the bail amount and the plan structure. We look at the full picture — not just a credit score. Employment, family ties, property, and co-signer strength all factor in.
Can I pay in cash?
Yes. Cash is always accepted. If you're paying a large amount in cash, we may need to document the source — that's a legal requirement, not a judgment.
Let's Figure Out a Plan Together
Call or text 24/7. Tell Chad your situation — bail amount, what you have available, and who the co-signer might be. He'll tell you straight what's possible.
Related Resources
Not legal advice. The information on this page is based on Chad Conley's 15+ years as a licensed bail bondsman, plus additional experience as an investigator and bounty hunter, and is intended to help families understand the general process. It is not legal advice, and Chad Conley is not an attorney. Every case is different. If you have legal questions about your specific situation, please consult a licensed attorney.