Bail Agent or Defense Attorney?
Two different jobs, and which one to call first.
Details
A bail agent handles one thing: getting a person out of custody while the case is pending. A defense attorney, whether private or from the public defender's office, handles the case — the charges, the negotiations, and the hearings.
The two roles do not overlap, and nothing on this site is legal advice. An agent cannot tell you how a charge will resolve, and an attorney does not post the bond.
In practice, families often deal with release first because it is time-sensitive, then turn to representation before the first court date. If you are not sure which call is more urgent in your situation, call (310) 846-8980 and describe what happened.
More resources
Other guides
How to Find Where Someone Is Held
County sheriff inmate locators, what to search for, and why a name comes back empty.
Courts, Arraignment, and What Comes Next
Which courthouse handles the case, and how the first appearance fits with bail.
What to Have Ready Before You Call
The short list of details that lets an agent start work on the first call.
Next step
Where to go from here
Call (310) 846-8980 now
Lines are answered live, every hour of every day. Have the person's full name, date of birth, and the city or jail where they were booked, and a licensed California bail agent can start work on the first call.