Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

A property bond is kind of like giving the court a second mortgage on your house. If the defendant skips bail, the court can come after your equity, just like any other creditor.

You will need a title report and appraisals showing equity at least twice the amount of the bail, a deed of trust by the property owners and a number of other legal documents.

Frankly, it's probably quicker and easier to get a home equity line of credit if you qualify. Many lawyers don't understand the process and even a minor error in the paperwork can send you back to square one. I do property bonds in my office, but only as a last resort.