What Crimes Usually Require Bail in California?

Getting arrested in California can be confusing, especially if you aren’t familiar with how the legal system works. In many situations, the court will require you to pay bail before being released, at which point you can return home while waiting for your trial.

Bail is an amount of money you’ll have to pay to guarantee that you will return for your court appearances. The amount depends on the alleged offense and some other factors that the court determines are important. There are some situations where bail isn’t necessary, but many common criminal charges in California require it.

Here’s a look at the crimes that usually require bail in California.

DUI Charges

Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most common reasons you might have to post bail in California. A first-time misdemeanor DUI may carry a relatively low bail amount, but the cost increases significantly if the incident involved injuries or there are repeat offenses.

Felony DUI charges often result in much higher bail because the court views these cases as a greater public safety risk. You’ll likely have to remain in custody until bail is paid or a judge approves release conditions if you are accused of a DUI.

Domestic Violence

California usually requires bail for domestic violence arrests. Law enforcement officers often make arrests on the spot when they respond to domestic disputes, especially if there’s physical harm or intimidation, and bail is necessary after that.

Judges may impose strict release conditions in addition to bail because there are concerns about the victim’s safety. Defendants might also have to limit contact with the victim until the case is settled.

Drug Crimes

You’ll probably have to pay bail if you’re accused of drug-related offenses in Orange County, California, especially if it’s believed you intended to sell or manufacture a controlled substance.

Simple possession charges may carry lower bail amounts, but more serious narcotics crimes mean substantial bail figures. Courts will usually consider the type of drug involved and whether weapons or large amounts of cash were present during the arrest when setting the bail amount.

Theft and Burglary

Burglary and robbery usually require bail in California. Bail amounts vary depending on the value of stolen property and whether violence or weapons were involved.

Robbery charges often carry particularly high bail because the offense involves taking property directly from another person through force or fear. You may also face increased bail amounts if you’re a repeat offender.

Assault and Battery

There’s a good chance you’ll need bail if you’re charged with assault or battery in California. The bail amount will be smaller if you’re charged with simple assault, while aggravated assault that involves serious injuries or weapons can mean higher costs.

Courts take violent crimes seriously because they may present ongoing safety concerns for the public or victims. Judges could also deny release entirely if they believe that you pose a threat to others.

Weapons Offenses

California has strict firearm and weapons laws, and violations often require bail. Charges involving illegal firearm possession or committing another crime with a weapon will lead to large bail amounts.

Prosecutors and judges frequently view weapons offenses as serious public safety matters, particularly when gang activity or prior felony convictions are involved.

Crimes Commonly Requiring Bail in Orange County, California

The courts process thousands of arrests every year involving crimes that require bail in Orange County, CA. DUI arrests are especially common, particularly on weekends and during the holidays.

Drug-related offenses and theft crimes are also frequent reasons defendants are booked into county jails. Bail amounts in Orange County follow the Orange County Felony and Misdemeanor Bail Schedule, though judges can raise or reduce bail depending on the circumstances of the case.

Defendants released on bail in Orange County have to show up to all scheduled court appearances and comply with release conditions while their cases are active. There will be arrest warrants if you don’t appear in court, and you will forfeit the bail amount.

How Bail Amounts Are Determined in Orange County, CA?

The courts use the Orange County Felony and Misdemeanor Bail Schedule to determine bail. However, judges can change those numbers based on criminal history, flight risk, community ties, and the seriousness of the alleged offense, so it isn’t set in stone.

Defendants accused of violent felonies or repeat offenses often face much higher bail amounts than if they’re charged with minor crimes.

Your defense attorney can request a bail reduction hearing to argue for a lower amount. The court may also release certain defendants on their own recognizance, meaning they promise to appear in court without posting bail.

Bail Bonds in Orange County

Paying for bail can be a challenge, but fortunately, there are services available that can help. Orange County Bail Bonds provides fast, discreet services in Orange County and other locations around Southern California, helping you get out of jail in a hurry. We also operate at the lowest possible 8% rate.