If I were to post the actual full bail ~33,000 myself -- I "get it back" - but it is legal for them to keep the full bail amount 1 Year Plus 1 Day before they return it to me...
Using a bail bondsman I pay some fee (could be negotiated) but in my case was 10%
Since I paid the bail bondsman to post a 33,000 bond on my behalf - I pay him 3,300 up front. I do not get this back - regardless of the outcome of the case... however if I resolve it at the arraignment they refund ~10% at some ambiguous future date.
I should be able to bill the city for this given they had no charges and no evidence.
OK - so I just had two experiences with a bay area law enforcement agency, and I am beside myself with disgust and anger:
I was accused of doing something I did not. I was taken to jail and they held me on bail - and set my court date for about three weeks from the time I was booked, but an arraignment in about 5 days.
I had just accepted a new job - but still had a week on my current.
I HAD to post bail (and I didn't really have the money for it) so I had to get a bail bond. so I could get out and go to work!! This cost my $3,000 out of pocket.
So I did, and then went to my arraignment: Guess what "no charges filed and case rejected for lack of any evidence at all"
But now - I am out $3,000 and I have an arrest on my record for something that was simply a false accusation! Further, WHile I was in jail over night, the guards and police are absolute douchebags. They treat EVERYONE like crap.