CDI License #1845390
The Record
The public record, in order. For the full story in my own words, read About Chad Conley.
The Short Version
- Licensed California bail agent. CDI #1845390. Active.
- Started in fugitive recovery after the 2008 downturn. Two and a half years in the field with retired Orange County Sheriff's Lieutenant Bill Hunt, across more than 13 states and into Mexico.
- One of the first bail agents in California to say publicly that Proposition 103 allows premium rebates.
- A complaint was filed against him with the Department of Insurance for saying it. The Department took no action.
- Wrote a State Bar-approved continuing-education course for attorneys.
- Sued the California Insurance Commissioner over the rule that bars bail agents from recommending attorneys to the people they bond.
- His 2014 statement was quoted in a federal antitrust complaint over California bail pricing.
- Fought for years to clear his own record. Under California law, he is no longer a felon.
The Timeline
Chad became a licensed California contractor after petitioning the state with letters of recommendation and hearings, because of a 1996 marijuana case. He built a hillside construction company in Laguna Beach.
When the 2008 downturn wiped out construction, Chad started over in fugitive recovery, introduced by his cousin and best friend, Matt Charles. Matt passed away before they could take the licensing exam together.
Licensed California bail agent. CDI #1845390.
With bail attorney John Rohrbaugh, Chad studied Proposition 103. In 2012 he advertised a reduced net cost, and in 2014 he explained in writing that Prop 103 allows premium rebates.
A complaint was filed against Chad with the California Department of Insurance. The Department took no action.
The State Bar of California approved Chad's one-hour course for attorneys, "Demystifying the Bail Bond Process," Provider #17859. He is no longer an active provider.
Conley v. Jones, Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. BC630383, filed Aug. 11, 2016. Chad challenged 10 CCR §2071, the rule that bars bail agents from recommending attorneys to the people they bond, after it stopped him from helping his own family. The court ruled for the Commissioner on Feb. 9, 2018. Chad then built the free Southern California Resource Directory. Why I Took On the State
Chad's 2014 statement was quoted in the complaint in Crain v. Accredited Surety and Casualty Company, a federal class action over California bail pricing. He was never a party to the case.
Chad stepped back from day-to-day bail work and returned to building, keeping his bail license active the whole time.
Chad came back to bail full time and rebuilt his office in Pomona: no cold calls, no referral fees, no pressure.
In December 2025, a video of Chad arresting a defendant who had skipped court went viral and was misunderstood. What really happened
Several defendants in the Crain case reached proposed settlements totaling $69.4 million, which still need the court's approval.
After almost two decades, Chad cleared his 1996 case step by step: a dismissal under Penal Code 1203.4, later court orders, and Proposition 64. Under California law, he is no longer a felon. Clearing Your Record in California
All case references are matters of public record. Nothing on this page is legal advice.
If you need a bail bond, call now.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Southern California.