What Is The Average Bail Amount in California?

Being arrested for a crime, whether it be a misdemeanor or a felony, can really take a knock at your bank account. Not to mention how inconvenient it is, worrying about bail amounts and fees while sitting behind prison bars. 

In an attempt to save you some research time — and for future reference — we’ve gathered some information on average bail amounts. But first, we’d like to discuss what a bail schedule is so that you can get some background.

What is a bail schedule?

No two states in the U.S. will have the exact same bail schedule. Some will lean on federal regulations as a guideline, others may omit cash bail, and so on. When it comes to California, this state operates through a bail system schedule. That means that a list of rules will determine the amount of bail for each specific crime. There’s little to no wiggle room, and the bail amount can always be raised based on criminal history and flight risk.

the average bail amount in californiaWhat are some common bail amounts?

In the California bail system schedule, each misdemeanor or felony has a corresponding bail amount. Remember, there are various subcategories that you’ll want to look at before you confidently assume the total. 

  • DUI of Drugs and/or Alcohol: $2,500 (1st offense), $10,000 (2nd offense), $15,000 (3rd offense)
  • Resisting an officer: $5,000
  • Hit & Run with Injury: $10,000
  • Burglary: $5,000
  • Assault & Battery: $8,000 (1st offense), $10,000 (2nd offense)
  • Grand Theft: $5,000
  • DUI of Drugs and/or Alcohol with injury: $100,000
  • Domestic Violence: up to $50,000
  • Hate Crime: $20,000
  • Grand Theft +$950 from Person: $20,000
  • Extortion: $25,000
  • Firearm Usage: $50,000

what is the average bail amount in california

Once bail is paid, how long does it take the arrested person to secure release?

Jails don’t necessarily operate with immediate release, but the process is rather quick. Most of the time, it can take anywhere from thirty minutes to four hours. It can vary based on busyness, and the county and jail the defendant was arrested in.

Will you get any bail money back after the court proceedings are through?

The answer to that question depends on which route you took to pay the bail. 

If you choose to take care of the entire bail with cash, a cashier’s check, or a money order, the full amount will be returned to you upon completion of your case.

On the other hand, if you went through a bail bondsman to secure your release from jail, you will have no money returned. You see, if you sign a contract with a bail bond company, you are paying them 10% of the bail fee for their helpful services. From there, they will pay the full bail amount up front to the courts, and once your case is complete, they will have the sum returned directly to them. 

bail amount in California

What happens if you don’t attend all court proceedings after a bail bondsman pays bail?

If you’re working with a bail bonds company, that doesn’t mean you’re free and off the hook from your case. You still have to show up for your trial and face the judge until a verdict is reached. If you don’t, the bail bonds company will be forced to request additional help from a bounty hunter. That’s when you’ll be found and returned directly to jail. 

If you have any further questions or concerns regarding bail in California, please feel free to reach out to one of our experts at Synergy Bail Bonds. We know what we’re doing, and we’re here to help you every step of the way to secure your freedom.  

Complete The Form Below and A Friendly Agent Will Contact You Immediately.

    Complete El Siguiente Formulario Y Un Agente Se Comunicará Con Usted De Inmediato.