What’s the Difference Between Cash Bail, Surety Bonds, and Property Bonds? A Complete Guide

By hollybailbonds | October 18, 2025

When any of your close ones gets arrested, the only thing you want is to get them out of jail as fast as possible. In Redding, CA, it is possible with the legal procedure of bail. It’s a system that allows the arrested person to be released before their trial by giving the court a monetary or property guarantee.

But before you proceed with it, you must know that a bail can be made in many ways. It could be in cash or a bail bond. Knowing the difference between bail types and how bail works is important to make the right decision.

This blog gives you an insight into the cash bail, surety bonds, and property bonds.

How Does the Bail Work?

After an arrest, the person, also called the defendant, is booked and brought before a judge. The judge then sets a bail amount. However, their decision depends on a few factors, like the seriousness of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and the risk of their not appearing in court.

Once the bail amount is decided, the defendant or their family can pay it in different forms – cash, property, or a bail bond.

When the bail is posted, the defendant is released from jail and allowed to stay at home while waiting for their trial. However, they must attend all court hearings. If they do, the bail or bond is returned or discharged after the case ends. But if they fail to appear in court, the bail is forfeited, and the court can issue a warrant for their arrest.

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1. Cash Bail

In a cash bail, you pay the entire bail amount in cash directly to the court or jail.

For example, if the judge sets bail at $12,000, you or your family must pay that full amount. Once you show up for all court dates and the case ends, the court refunds your money after deducting small administrative fees.

When Is Cash Bail Used?

When the bail amount is relatively small.
When the defendant’s side can afford to pay upfront, and they don’t want the interference of any third party.
When the court requires “cash-only” bail due to past violations or risk factors.

→ Pros of a Cash Bail

You usually get the full amount back (if you fulfill obligations)
There is no involvement of third parties, and you don’t pay extra fees.
The process of a cash bail is simple and straightforward.

→ Cons of a Cash Bail

You need to pay the entire bail amount at the same time.
If you miss any court date or violate bail conditions, you lose it all.
Your money stays tied up until the case ends.

2. Surety Bonds

Most people can’t pay thousands of dollars up front. That’s why surety bonds or bail bonds exist. A surety bond is where a licensed bail bondsman or a bail bond company acts as a third-party guarantor. You or someone on your behalf pays the bondsman a non-refundable fee, usually 10% of the bail, and the bondsman posts the full bail amount to the court.

How Does a Surety Bond Work?

Once the bail amount is set by the court, you can contact a bail bond agent to pay the bail amount. The bondsman handles the paperwork, the court communication, and the process to secure release quickly.

If you show up to all court dates, the bondsman’s obligation ends. However, the fee you paid during the bail bond process, which is usually about 10% of the total bail amount, is a non-refundable service charge and will not be returned to you.
If you skip, the bondsman may use collateral, chase you, or even engage bounty hunters to recover their loss.

When Surety Bonds Are Used?

When the bail amount is too high for the defendant or family to pay in full.
When a quick release is needed and the defendant doesn’t have the entire bail amount.
In jurisdictions that permit or expect the use of bail bond companies

→ Pros of a Surety Bond

You pay only a fixed percentage as fees to the bail bond company.
Your money isn’t tied up, as you don’t pay the bail amount.
Bondsman guides you through legal steps.
You get a fast release even if you can’t afford the bail.

→ Cons of a Surety Bond

The fee is non-refundable even if you’re found innocent.
You may need collateral (something valuable as security) or a co-signer.
If you fail to appear, you might lose the collateral.

A surety bond is the most practical choice for most families who want quick release without draining savings.

Understanding Bail Can Be Simple—Talk to Us.

3. Property Bonds

In a property bond, you can use your real estate, like a home or land, as collateral for bail. Instead of paying cash, you promise your property’s value to the court.

How Does a Property Bond Work?

You must prove ownership and that the property value exceeds the bail amount.
The court keeps a legal claim (lien)on the property until the case concludes.
If the defendant appears in court and all obligations are fulfilled, the lien is released, and the property returns to you.
If not, the court can foreclose or seize property to cover the bond.

→ Pros of a Property Bond

Can free people who don’t have cash but have valuable property.
You don’t need to pay any bondsmen’s fees.
It’s useful for homeowners with limited liquidity.

→ Cons of a Property Bond

The process can take longer due to appraisals and paperwork.
There is a risk of losing property if the defendant misses the court date.
It’s not accepted in all jurisdictions.

A Quick Comparison Between Cash Bail, Surety Bonds, and Property Bonds

Factors	Cash Bail	Surety Bonds	Property Bonds
Upfront Cost	Full bail amount	Percentage fee (e.g., 10–15%) + possible collateral	None in cash, but property is pledged
Refundability	Refundable (minus fees) if you appear	Fee is non-refundable	You get the property back if you appear; the lien is released.
Time to Release	Often faster if funds are ready	Quick, once the bondsman processes	Slower due to appraisals and legal reviews
Risk	Lose cash if you miss court	Lose collateral if you skip	Lose property if you skip
Jurisdictional Availability	Widely accepted	Common in many jurisdictions	Less common, it depends heavily on court rules
When to Use	If the bail amount is small and affordable	Most common for a larger bail amount	When you don’t have cash, but real property is available

Let’s Answer Common Queries About Bail Bonds to Clear Your Doubts

1. Is bail money refundable?

If you post cash bail, yes – as long as you attend all court dates. For surety bonds, the fee you pay the bondsman is non-refundable.

2. How long does it take to get someone out of jail with a bail bond?

Once paperwork is complete, release can happen in just a few hours, sometimes faster than arranging cash bail or property bonds.

3. Can I use someone else’s property for a property bond?

Yes, but that person must agree in writing and show proof of ownership. Courts will only accept property with a clear title.

4. Which bail option is the safest?

Each has its pros and cons. Cash bail is the simplest, but it’s costly. Surety bonds are affordable and fast. Property bonds are risky but helpful for homeowners.

Always consult a local bail expert to know what’s best for your case.

Takeaway

Knowing the difference between cash bail, surety bonds, and property bonds can make a huge difference during a stressful time. When your loved one’s freedom is on the line, all you need is to make quick and informed decisions.

If you find it overwhelming, it’s better to consult a trusted bail bonds company for guidance.

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Contact Holly Bail Bonds Today For Fast, Confidential Bail Assistance

At Holly Bail Bonds, we’ve helped many families across California handle the bail process quickly, privately, and with care.

Our skilled and experienced bail bond agents are available 24/7 to explain your options, handle the paperwork, and post bail quickly, so your loved one can come home as soon as possible.

Feel free to call us at 877 903-3928 to start the bail procedure. We’re here for you every step of the way.

Posted in Redding Bail Bonds