San Antonio Bail Resources & FAQs
Working with River City Bail Bonds is easy
When someone you care about is in jail, you need answers fast. This page covers the most common questions about the bail bond process, from what it costs to what you’re responsible for as a co-signer. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, call us anytime, day or night.
We are here to help you bail your loved one out of jail. Contact us today to speak with an expert bondsman.
Need help fast with Bail Bonds? Call the nearest office now.
- San Antonio Main Office
- 210-271-7700
- 210-224-9915
- Wilson County Office
- 830-393-1109
- Guadalupe County Office
- 830-491-5245
The River City Bail Bond Process
To deliver what we promise, River City Bail Bonds has a team of highly-skilled, trained and experienced, professional staff available at your service.
We pride ourselves on our flexible payment plans, bail bonds by fax and email as well as our step-by-step assistance throughout the process. We don’t just get your loved one out of jail, we help you get through the process smoothly.
In most cases, it only takes minutes to arrange bail with River City Bail Bonds. We require some basic information to begin the process:
- Proper identification (social security number, date of birth, driver’s license number, address, phone number)
- Employment verification (employers name, address and phone, pay-stub or other verification of employment)
- Additional information necessary to determine if you qualify as an indemnitor (co-signer)
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bail Process
The Process
How do I bail someone out of jail? Contact River City Bail Bonds by phone or in person at any of our locations. We’ll gather some basic information about the person in custody, walk you through the paperwork, and handle the bond filing with the jail on your behalf. In most cases, we can have your loved one released within a matter of hours.
How long does it take to get someone released? Once the bond is posted, release times vary by facility and how busy the jail is at that time. Once the bond is posted San Antonio, it takes 10-24 hours to be released. In Seguin and Wilson takes just a few hours. We’ll keep you informed throughout the process so you’re not left wondering.
What information do I need to start the process? It helps to have the following ready: the full legal name of the person in custody, the jail or facility they’re being held at, the charges if known, and the bail amount if it has been set. You’ll also need to provide your own ID and some basic personal information to qualify as a co-signer. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything, call us and we’ll help you figure out what’s needed.
Can I bail someone out in the middle of the night? Yes. River City Bail Bonds is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays. We also accept collect calls, so don’t hesitate to reach out no matter the hour.
Money & Payments
How much does a bail bond cost in Texas? In Texas, the bail bond premium is set by law at 10% of the total bail amount. It’s important to know that a bail bondsman can charge more than 10% depending on the situation. For example, if the charge was a FTA (failure to appear) or the accused lives in a county far away or another state. This is the fee you pay to the bail bondsman for securing the release — it is not a deposit and is non-refundable. For example, if bail is set at $10,000, the premium would be $1,000.
Do I get my money back at the end of the case? The premium paid to the bail bondsman is a service fee and is not returned, regardless of the outcome of the case. However, if you put up collateral (such as property) to secure the bond, that collateral is returned once the case is resolved and all court appearances have been made.
What payment options do you accept? We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. We also offer flexible payment plans for those who need them. Ask about our senior and military discounts when you call.
What if I can’t afford the full premium upfront? We understand that bail costs can come at the worst possible time. River City Bail Bonds offers payment plans to help make it more manageable. Call us to discuss your situation — we’ll work with you to find a solution.
Co-Signer Responsibility
What does it mean to be a co-signer (indemnitor)? When you co-sign a bail bond, you are agreeing to take financial and legal responsibility for ensuring the defendant appears at all required court dates. If they fail to appear, you may be held responsible for the full bail amount. Co-signing is a serious commitment, and we’ll make sure you understand exactly what you’re agreeing to before you sign.
What happens if the defendant misses a court date? If the defendant fails to appear in court, the bond can be forfeited — meaning the full bail amount becomes due. We will work quickly to locate the defendant and get the matter resolved with the court. The sooner you contact us if there’s a problem, the more options we have to help. As a co-signer, your cooperation in this situation is critical.
Can I be removed as a co-signer? In some circumstances, a co-signer can be released from their obligations, but this typically requires the defendant to be returned to custody and the bond to be surrendered. This is not a simple process and has real consequences for the person in jail. If you have concerns about your role as a co-signer, contact us right away to discuss your options.
Warrants
What is a warrant check and how does it work? A warrant check is a search to find out whether someone has an active arrest warrant on file. River City Bail Bonds offers free warrant checks — simply call us with the person’s name and date of birth and we can look into it for you. Knowing about a warrant early gives you more options for resolving it before an arrest occurs.
Can River City help if someone already has an active warrant? Yes. If you or someone you know has an active warrant, our warrant service can help you address it in a controlled, less stressful way rather than waiting to be arrested. We’ll walk you through the process of turning yourself in or getting the warrant resolved, and we can have a bond ready so time in custody is minimized. Contact us to learn more about how this works.