If you are arrested in California, you might be released from custody before trial when you pay a certain amount known as bail. The specific amount you must pay will depend on the crime, bail schedule, and other factors. Understanding how the California bail bond process works can be helpful if you or someone you love is facing criminal charges.
Fortunately, the experienced and reliable bail bond agents at Golden Boy Bail Bonds will discuss some of the most critical aspects of bail schedules in California, including standard bail amounts and the role of bail bond agents.
Understanding the California Bail Bond Process
Before we discuss what a bail schedule is, it is essential to understand how the California bail bond process works. For starters, bail is the amount of money or collateral an arrested person must pay to guarantee they will appear for trial. The bail amount is determined by the bail schedule or a judge. The bail bond process starts after a person has been arrested. After the police make an arrest, they will take you to one of the local jails, where you can post bail. Unfortunately, you will remain in custody until your trial if you cannot post bail.
What is a Bail Schedule?
A bail schedule is a standardized guideline outlining each crime's minimum and maximum bail amounts. It is based on various factors, including the defendant's likelihood to appear in court. The judges will also consider the defendant's criminal history and the seriousness of the crime. The purpose of the bail schedule is to give the judges a guideline to use when setting bail. Moreover, it ensures that the defendants get fair treatment regardless of the crime.
Generally, the bail schedule is divided into different categories of crimes. Serious crimes have higher bail amounts than less serious crimes. The categories include:
Infractions: They are considered the least severe crimes and involve minor offenses like traffic violations. In most cases, you don't need bail for infractions.
Misdemeanors: These crimes are considered more serious than infractions but less severe than felonies. Examples of misdemeanors include shoplifting, domestic violence, DUI, and more.
Felonies: Felonies are the most serious crimes and include offenses like rape, robbery, murder, and more. The bail amounts for felonies in California can be as high as $1,000,000.
It is essential to point out that bail schedules are not cast in stone. Judges have some discretion in setting bail amounts. For example, the judge can set a higher bail amount than usual if the defendant is considered a flight risk. Similarly, the judge can set a lower amount if the defendant has a good track record of honoring court dates.
Bail Amounts for Common Crimes in California
Now that you know how the California bail bond process works and how bail schedules are set, you are probably eager to learn more about the standard bail amounts. As mentioned earlier, bail amounts vary widely based on the type of crime, the defendant's criminal history, and ties to the community. Let's discuss some of the standard bail amounts in detail below.
DUI Bail Amounts
The bail amount for a DUI charge varies widely based on the defendant's criminal history, the severity of the offense, the defendant's community ties, and the judge's discretion. Typically, the bail amount for a first-time DUI in California is between $2,500 to $5,000. It's essential to note that the exact amount will depend upon the case's specific circumstances. For instance, the defendant might have to pay a higher bail amount if they were involved in a car accident that caused injuries or property damages. Similarly, a defendant with a prior criminal record or a history of failing to appear in court may also pay a higher bail amount.
Assault Bail Amounts
Assault is a severe crime in California and carries heavy consequences, such as jail time and fines. The bail amount for assault charges varies widely depending on the defendant's criminal history, the severity of the offense, and the judge's discretion. For example, you may have to post bail of around $10,000 for a simple assault charge. A simple assault charge involves intentionally attempting to harm someone else without using a weapon. You might pay more if the victim suffers serious bodily injury. In addition, the judge might set a higher amount if you have a prior criminal record or history of violence.
Assault with a deadly weapon carries heavy fines and penalties. Typically, the bail amount for assault with a deadly weapon tends to be as high as $50,000 or more. Assault is a complicated offense, and the actual bail amount required for your particular case will vary widely based on the specific circumstances of that case.
Drug Offenses Bail Amounts
Drug possession is another common crime in California. The specific bail amount required for this charge varies widely depending on the type and amount of drugs involved. Usually, bail amounts for drug possession offenses range from $10,000 to $50,000. As mentioned earlier, the exact amount will depend on the type of drug involved. For instance, the bail amount for possessing a small amount of marijuana is typically lower than that of more dangerous drugs such as heroin and cocaine. Similarly, the bail amount will be higher if a large quality of drugs is involved.
Domestic Violence Bail Amounts
Domestic violence charges are treated as serious offenses in California. Generally, bail amounts for these charges range from $20,000 to $50,000. However, the amount can be higher for more severe violations and lower for less severe crimes. Domestic violence charges are also categorized into sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. It's important to note that domestic violence charges are also classified as felonies or misdemeanors. Felony domestic violence carries a higher bail amount than misdemeanor domestic violence charges.
Burglary Bail Amount
The bail amount for burglary charges varies from the defendant to defendant, depending on the degree of the offense. According to the California bail schedule, burglary charges range from $5,000 to $150,000, depending on the severity of the crime. Burglary is further categorized into first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree. First-degree burglary is the most serious offense and involves entering a private residence to commit theft or felony. On the other hand, second-degree burglary is entering a commercial property intending to commit a felony or theft. Third-degree burglary is forcing your way into a property to commit a misdemeanor.
Rape Bail Amount
Since rape is a felony, the bail amount is usually higher than misdemeanor charges. The average bail amount is between $50,000 to $1,000,000 or more, depending on the severity of the offense and the defendant's criminal history. The judge will also examine the victim's age when determining the bail amount. For example, the bail amount is likely higher if the victim is a minor. Similarly, the bail amount will be increased if the defendant has a history of sexual assault or violence.
It's worth pointing out that the bail amount for rape is not set in stone. The judge can set a different amount from the one in the bail schedule or even deny bail altogether.
Here is a breakdown of other standard bail amounts in California:
Resisting an officer- $5,000
Hit and run with injury- $10,000
Grand theft- $5,000
Battery- $8,000 for a 1st offense and $10,000 for a 2nd offense
Hate crime- $20,000
Extortion- $25,000
Use of a firearm in a felony- $50,000
Work With Experienced and Reliable Bail Bond Agents
Unfortunately, you might not have the money to post bail for yourself or a loved one. But that doesn't mean you should be locked up in custody awaiting trial. You can turn to a licensed bail bonds company that will provide a guarantee to the court that you will appear in court for your trial. In exchange for this guarantee, you must pay a percentage of the total bail amount.
Apart from helping you to meet the financial requirements to secure your release, working with a licensed bail bond agents from Golden Boy Bail Bonds also comes with other benefits, including:
✅ Knowledge and Experience
Bail bond agents from Golden Boy Bail Bonds have years of experience and knowledge of the legal system. They know how to navigate the complex bail process and can help defendants understand their rights and responsibilities.
✅ 24/7 Availability
Golden Boy Bail Bonds offer 24/7 availability, meaning defendants can get help anytime, day or night. This is especially important for those arrested outside of regular business hours.
✅ Fast Service
Golden Boy Bail Bonds offer prompt service, meaning defendants can be released from jail as quickly as possible.
✅ Personalized Service
Golden Boy Bail Bonds agents provide customized service to each client, taking the time to understand their unique situation and needs. They will work closely with the defendant and their loved ones to develop a customized plan for posting bail and ensuring that the defendant appears in court.
✅ Affordable Rates
Golden Boy Bail Bonds offer reasonable rates and flexible payment options, making it easier for defendants to get help without breaking the bank.
Contact our San Diego bail bonds agents today to learn more about California bail schedules.