That Call You Never Want to Get… Now What?
When someone you care about gets arrested, it’s easy to feel helpless. Emotions run high, the clock’s ticking, and you’re suddenly in unfamiliar territory. But knowing what to do next—and who to call—can take a huge weight off your shoulders.
At Encinitas Bail Bonds, we’ve helped families all across San Diego County for over a decade. We know the system inside and out, and we’re here to walk you through it step by step.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Gather Key Information
Before you panic or rush to the jail, take a deep breath and gather the basic details. The more info you have, the faster we can help.
Here’s what to try and find out:
- Full legal name of the person who was arrested
- Where they’re being held (jail name or city)
- Booking number, if available
- What they were arrested for (if known)
Don’t worry if you don’t have everything—we’ll help track it down. We offer a free inmate lookup service so you don’t have to sit on hold with law enforcement.
Step 2: Understand Your Bail Options
Once bail is set, you have a few choices to get your loved one out:
- Cash Bail – Pay the full amount upfront (can be tens of thousands of dollars)
- Property Bond – Use property as collateral for the full bail amount
- Bail Bond – Pay a small percentage (usually 10%) to a licensed bail agent who posts bail on your behalf
Most people choose the bail bond option—it’s faster, more affordable, and handled by professionals who know the legal process.
Step 3: Call a Local Bail Agent You Can Trust
Working with a trusted, local bail bond company can make all the difference. At Encinitas Bail Bonds, we offer:
- 24/7 service (because arrests don’t just happen 9–5)
- Fast response times
- Clear, honest communication
- Flexible payment plans
We’ve handled thousands of successful bonds and know the local jails—from Vista to Las Colinas and everything in between.
Step 4: Complete the Simple Bail Process
We’ve streamlined the process to get your loved one out as quickly as possible:
- Step 1: Call us anytime, day or night
- Step 2: We verify booking info and prepare paperwork
- Step 3: We post the bond and your loved one is released—often within hours
You’ll never be left in the dark. We’ll keep you updated at every stage and answer all your questions along the way.
Step 5: Prepare for What Comes Next with the arrested person
Posting bail is just the beginning. Make sure your loved one:
- Knows their court date and shows up on time
- Understands any conditions tied to their release
- Follows all legal requirements to avoid re-arrest
We’re happy to walk you through the full picture so there are no surprises.