If you or a loved one has been arrested in California, you will want to know about the state’s bail bond laws and regulations.
In the United States, each state has its own bail bond system and different rules and regulations when it comes to postings and being out on bail.
In this blog post, we provide an overview of how bail works in California and what you can expect if you decide to use a bail bond agent. We also discuss the process for bailing someone out of jail in California and answer some common questions about bail bonds in the Golden State.
California Bail Bond Laws and Regulations
If you or a loved one is arrested in California, the first step is to determine whether the offense is one that requires bail.
This can be done by reviewing the bail schedule for the county in which the arrest occurred or by asking a bail bondsman to do so.
In some cases, such as when the offense is relatively minor, the jail will release the person after booking with no bail required. However, if the offense is listed on the bail schedule, the jail will require that the amount be paid or a bond posted before release.
Every county in California has its own local bail schedule. You can review Los Angeles bail schedules here.
How to Bail Someone Out of Jail in California
To bail someone out of jail in California, the full amount of the bail must be paid to the jail or a bond posted.
In some cases, an arresting officer can request that bail be set at an amount that is higher than what the bail schedule indicates. However, this decision must be approved by a judge. At the arraignment, which is the first court appearance after arrest, the judge will decide whether to increase or decrease the bail amount.
If someone can’t afford to post bail, they may be able to get help from a bail bondsman. A bail bondsman agrees to pay the entire bail amount on the person’s behalf in exchange for a fee. In California, this fee is 10 percent of the posted bail.
How Long Does It Take to Get the Bond Money Back?
After posting a cash bail, it can take 6 to 12 weeks for the cash bail to be returned to the individual. If the person on bail fails to appear in court, the bail is forfeited, and the individual who posted the cash bail has 180 days to locate the person and bring them into custody. If they are not located within that time frame, the money is forfeited to the state.
Looking for Bail Bonds in California?
Bail Hotline is here to help. We have over 25 years of experience posting bail all over California. Contact us today and let us help you get your loved one out of jail as quickly as possible.
