Author: Bail Hotline Staff

San Bernardino County’s Bail Schedule

Any crime that ends in the arrest of a person is serious in one way or another. A few of these crimes require the state to hold a person in jail while awaiting trial in the interest of public safety, but the vast majority of crime does not fall into this category. San Bernardino County, just like every other county in California, has a way to weed through these differences in offenses. It would cost the county far too much to house every defendant for the two days it usually takes to stand before a judge for a bail hearing.

Each county has a bail schedule that allows most offenders to get out of jail before ever seeing a judge. The bail amounts for this offense can be very high, but all defendants can contact one of three San Bernardino County Bail Hotline locations to determine whether or not they are eligible to be released – and for how much less their bond can be achieved.

Definition of a Bail Schedule

Bail schedules are legal documents put forth by the Superior Court in each California county, that list almost every crime that could be committed and a corresponding preset bail amount. This means the accused can either pay the full amount or have a bail bond agency get them out for a fraction of that fee. Many people choose to wait for their bail hearing, either out of ignorance of the law or in hope that their bail amount will be lowered. It is true that judges have the option to reduce a specific bail amount, but this usually only happens after the accused has been in a county jail’s general population for a few days. Unfortunately, the courts can also increase these bail amounts once the defendant gets in front of a judge, so it is a gamble either way.

Crimes Listed on the Schedule

The list of crimes in San Bernardino County’s bail schedule is nearly exhaustive, and there are even instructions on bail amounts for crimes that aren’t included on the list. A crime that carries a maximum jail time of six months, for example, will require a $5,000 dollar bail. Other crimes carry stiffer penalties. Cultivating or processing peyote, for example, will require a $25,000 dollar bail amount. Doctors in the county can even face stiff penalties – any doctor who writes an unnecessary prescription for a controlled substance will face a bail amount of $25,000. Though these penalties seem stiff, they are not the worst that could happen.

There are charges that have bail amounts intentionally so steep that it is quite obvious the county is making every effort to keep the accused in jail. If a person were to kidnap another for the purpose of ransom they would face a bail amount of one million dollars. Using an explosive device with the intent to kill another also brings with it a one million dollar bail amount. Some crimes, on the other hand, are so intense that the county will not allow bail. Using force to escape from prison is unbailable, as is a murder with special circumstances – both require the accused to wait in jail until their trial.

San Bernardino County takes crime and the safety of its residents very seriously. The most dangerous offenders do not have the option to get out on bail, and even lesser offenses often carry bail amounts high enough to prevent dangerous felons from getting back out onto the street. Fortunately, the county recognizes that not all crimes reach this magnitude and most offenders are allowed to get out of jail before seeing a judge, which lets them return to job and family while the county saves money on their room and board in the meantime.

Click here to download a pdf of San Bernardino’s 2012 Bail Schedule.

Extortion California | California PC 518-527

 Extortion is considered a serious crime in the state of California. All counties within the state can choose the specific bail amount related to this crime, and even have a small say over the sentence that is handed down to one so convicted. The State of California, however, gives the guidelines to sentencing. Most California crimes give three specific penalties that may be handed down to the convicted, and it is up to the county court to decide which of these punishments is adequate.

What is Extortion?

Extortion is defined as obtaining property from another person with their consent, or getting a public officer to grant an official act, through the use of wrongful fear or force. Public officials can also be charged with extortion if they use their authority for these purposes. The use of force is self-explanatory, but the California law specifically explains the types of extortion and why they cause fear.

If a person threatens injury to another, that person’s property, or a third person, then it is considered extortion if they are trying to gain something. Threatening an unwarranted accusation against a person or any member of their family of a crime also falls under the extortion law. The third type of extortion would be a threat to impute or expose a person or their family to disgrace, crime or deformity. The final type mentioned is threatening to expose any secret that will affect the victim or their family. Any of these actions performed with the intention of obtaining property or official acts constitutes extortion.

Bail for Extortion

Though California counties have some say over how to handle their extortion sentencing, they have complete control, over bail amounts. That said, most counties differ between one another as to the bail allowed within their jurisdiction. Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties, for instance, require a $35,000 bail amount on their schedule for sending a threatening letter to extort someone. Monterey County, on the other hand, only requires $30,000. Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties also require a $50,000 bail for extorting a signature by threat, while Monterey County only requires a $30,000 bail. Each county differs, yet each amount is significant.

Extortion also brings harsh penalties, which is why it is smart for anyone accused of the crime to get a lawyer. Extortion is usually charged as a felony, and those convicted could face a $10,000 dollar fine. The prison time, however, is far more serious. A person convicted of extortion faces either a two, three or four year sentence in state prison. The choice of these three sentences is at the discretion of the court, but all of the sentences can certainly wreak havoc on your life.

Extortion is a serious crime that can threaten the good name or safety of another person. Because of this, California and all of its counties take the crime very seriously. Anyone accused of extortion, guilty or not, should contact their local office of Bail Hotline to get them out of jail as quickly as possible. As soon as a person is released from jail, they can start working with their attorney on what will have to be a stellar defense. There is no doubt that there are legitimate defenses to the charge of extortion, so it is better to be out of jail and conferring with a lawyer to ensure the best possible chance of lessening the chance of a conviction.

Monterey County’s Bail Schedule

Every county in California makes an effort to keep dangerous criminals off of the street. On the other hand, available jail space is a definite issue. And so, there are times in which people accused of certain crimes are allowed to utilize preset bail amounts to secure their freedom while awaiting trial.

In these cases, the accused has the option to get bailed out of jail before ever seeing a judge. Monterey County’s bail schedule allows for this possibility, by providing defendants with presumptive bail amounts that they can post. A simple call to Bail Hotline’s Salinas location in Monterey County will quickly let you know if your charges qualify for a preset bail.

Bail Schedules

A bail schedule is a county’s list of crimes and the preset bail amount that applies to each of those crimes, set forth by their Superior Court. If you do wait for a hearing or arraignment, the judge does have the option to lower the bail amount that is required for your release.  Of course, if a bail agent posts your bond, the ten percent fee that is charged is always going to be lower than any bail the judge imposes.

Keep in mind that the court also has the option to raise a bail amount once the judge has considered any aggravating circumstances to your case. Monterey County’s bail schedule has a nearly exhaustive list of crimes, and most of these will list a bail amount that allows a person to await trial outside of jail.

Specific Crimes

Various listed crimes on a bail schedule carry very different bail amounts. Some offenses actually carry no bail amount, and they require the defendant to await trial inside of jail; such as treason, derailing a train and second-degree murder of a peace officer where there was an intent to kill. The majority of other crimes carry a specified bail amount. If a person carjacks another person, and doesn’t allow the victim to leave the car, it is considered kidnapping during a carjacking – and carries a one million dollar bail amount. Another stiff bail amount is given to those who conspire to commit any type of murder, a charge that will also bring a one million dollar bail.

Not all charges are penalized which such severity. For instance, transporting a BB gun into a local or state public building will require a bail amount of between $7,500-$15,000. The varied amounts are because the crime is considered a “wobbler” – one that can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor at the prosecutor’s discretion. Another example of a lesser bail required is committing a firearm offense with a stolen firearm. The bail amount for committing any offense of this type, with knowledge that the firearm used was stolen, will require a twenty-five thousand dollar bail.

Monterey County takes crime just as seriously as any other California county, but they understand that not every criminal needs to be housed and fed at their expense – when the accused is merely waiting for a judge to set their bail amount. The county ends up saving money because of the bail schedule – while at the same time, defendants are able to return to their jobs and families with the freedom to assist in preparing their defense.

Child Abandonment | California PC 270

There are not many things in the world that are more looked down upon than child abandonment. There is a continuing rumor that anyone in jail for harming a child will receive ill treatment from other inmates. Even if this is not true, the legal penalties for such a crime can be severe.

California Penal Code 270 encompasses the definition and penalties of a charge of child abandonment. The code actually sets forth a particular punishment for those convicted of the crime, but individual counties are able to set their own bail amounts related to the offense. Regardless of why a person is charged with child abandonment, it is imperative that they find a lawyer, because judges usually don’t smile kindly upon those who are convicted of these types of crimes.

What is Child Abandonment?

California law is very specific as to what constitutes child abandonment. PC 270 defines this crime as willfully and unlawfully withholding food, necessary clothing, shelter, medical attendance or other forms of remedial care. Many people are confused about the definition of ‘remedial care,’ and some people are upset once they realize what it means. Parents who are part of religions that use only prayer to try to heal disease, are considered to be providing remedial care. If a child is sick and only prayer is used to heal him, it is considered legal.

This law applies to the legal parent, whether or not they are the biological parent of the child in this situation. Many people are surprised to learn that a man is also responsible for a child even if the child was artificially inseminated, but this only applies in cases where the man signed off on the insemination. In all cases, if courts see proof of child abandonment, the law says that this is enough to prove “willful abandonment.” When this proof exists, judges and juries must consider all income that a parent receives, in deciding whether or not the defendant had a lawful excuse.

What Bail is Charged?

Child abandonment bail will usually be different in each California County, due to the fact that all counties can choose their own preset amounts on a bail schedule. Many counties, however, stay within a certain range of bail; Los Angeles, Santa Clara and Monterey counties all set bail at $5,000 for those accused of child abandonment. Monterey County, however, treats child abandonment of a child under fourteen as a “wobbler.” This means it may also be charged as a felony, and in this case the bail amount in Monterey County is $10,000.

What are The Consequences?

California Penal Code 270 actually specifies the punishment involved with child abandonment. If convicted, a person faces jail time of up to one year, or a fine of $2,000. In some cases, the judge may choose to impose both of these penalties. In the case of a non-biological parent who is adjudicated as the legal parent of the abandoned child, that person faces the same penalty, but he may be confined to a state prison for one year and one day as opposed to a county jail. Either way, a child abandonment conviction will lead to serious penalties for the accused.

The laws of our land say it is important for a person to take care of their child to the best of their ability, and even if the care is mediocre, it may be considered legal if it is all that the parent can afford. Several child abandonment cases are brought forth by scorned lovers or overbearing neighbors, and if these charges are frivolous there is a very good chance that they will be dropped. That said, when it comes to children, reporting what you think may be a crime against them is never a bad idea; if ultimately unfounded, it is certainly less damaging then it would be for a neglected child to not be dealt with. 

Kern County’s Bail Schedule

Many people do not really comprehend how the justice system works in California. Failure to understand these rules can land people in jail when they shouldn’t necessarily be there. Many people don’t realize that it is perfectly legal in, when they are charged with most crimes, to be released from jail without ever seeing a judge for a bail hearing.

What are Bail Schedules?
Bail schedules are basically a long list of possible crimes that a person might commit within a jurisdiction. These schedules list the crime and the preset bail amount for each, and are set forth by the superior court of the specific county. Using these schedules, a person can secure their own release by paying the full preset bail amount or by contacting a bail bond agent.

All counties in California have their own specific bail schedule, which can be a shortcut to securing a defendant’s release. Once the bail amount has been determined, a bail agent can arrange a person’s release for a fee of only ten percent of the face amount of bail.

Advantages of Using Bail Schedules

Once a person is standing before a judge, the court can raise the “preset” bail amount, after considering prior convictions or aggravating circumstances to the case. Bail schedules keep the jails from overcrowding, and so are supported by law enforcement.  Also a proper defense argument will be difficult to construct while a person is held within the confines of a jail cell. Getting released as quickly as possible always goes a long way in helping a person prepare their defense. Returning home to one’s family and job is a stabilizing factor, both emotionally and financially.

Kern County Unbailable Offenses

The bail schedule in Kern County is different than many other schedules, in the fact that it lists several offenses that are unbailable. In fact, the schedule says that any felony offense, which is punishable by death or life imprisonment without parole, is not bailable. Most other counties only list one offense – murder with special circumstances – as unbailable.

Bailable Crimes

Not all crimes are treated as seriously as capital offenses when it comes to bail, but the high bail amounts for other crimes go a long way in showing that Kern County is tough on crime. If a person merely threatens the life of a judge or official, without any actual attempt to hurt them, the bail amount is $100,000. Kidnapping a victim under the age of fourteen brings a bail amount of $250,000.

Other crimes are not nearly as serious. A battery charge, for instance, requires only a seventy-five hundred dollar bail amount. Contributing to the delinquency of a minor brings even a smaller amount, requiring only a $2500 bail.

Bail schedules effectively allow a person to get out of jail more rapidly, and agencies like Bail Hotline make it possible for them to afford to do so. Though the bail schedule in Kern County may have been intended to save the county money from housing prisoners, it also provides a great benefit to those who have been arrested.  

Arson California | California PC 451

Fire is undoubtedly one of humankind’s greatest discoveries. It has allowed people to stay warm since the dawn of time, and without it, most of what is familiar to us would not be possible. Unfortunately, fire can also be more than deadly – taking with it not only lives but also dwellings – when used with bad intention or when a simple disregard for prevention gets out of control.

Is it Arson or Reckless Burning?

According to Penal Code 451, arson is a malicious or willful act, with intent to harm persons or property.  It is an extremely serious charge and, if convicted, you must register as a convicted arsonist and report your whereabouts to the local police; failing to register can incur up to one year in jail.

Penal Code 452, is considered the “second arson” law, is generally referred to as the “reckless burning law” and it involves burning of a structure, forest or open land.  If you toss a cigarette into dry brush and it ends up burning property or harming another person, this is considered reckless and can also incur a felony charge.  In this case you were not just being negligent or careless, you were aware there was a risk involved and chose to ignore that possibility.

What are the Penalties for Arson?

Depending upon the circumstances of the incident and the subsequent amount of property damage, the penalties for arson can be wide ranging. For instance, arson that causes great bodily harm – including death – can incur a felony charge. Additionally, recklessly setting a fire that causes millions of dollars in damage to property can also bring about a felony arson charge – even if the intent of the fire was not malicious in nature.

With felony arson, convicted individuals may be facing many years in prison and fines that range into the tens of thousands of dollars or higher. In cases of misdemeanor arson, fines typically do not exceed $2,000 and jail time is usually less than one year in a county jail.

What is the Bail for Arson?

In California, individuals charged with felony arson can expect to qualify for bail amounts that range between $20,000 and $500,000, depending on the specific charges and circumstances.

For instance, arson committed against an uninhabited structure may incur a bail amount of $75,000, while arson committed during an officially declared state of emergency hike the bail amounts closer to $350,000.

Arson requires an intelligent defense, best served by the freedom to meet with a specialized attorney on your own terms.  Of course, getting back to your job and your family as soon as possible will also keep you on track and more financially capable of handling necessary expenses.

Solano County’s Bail Schedule

As in virtually any other county in the state of California, Solano County has its own bail schedule, and this schedule is used to give a reference for bail amounts issued to individuals who are arrested and charged with certain crimes. The bail schedule for Solano County lists what an arrested individual may face when trying to be released from custody pending a trial. If you or a loved one has been arrested in Solano County, contact our Bail Hotline Fairfield office for immediate help.

Bail Amounts Increase with Multiple Charges

When you look over the bail schedule of Solano County, you will see the average amount of bail for certain crimes. The figures displayed do not necessarily represent what the actual amount of bail will be, especially when multiple charges are pending. It will give you a basic idea of all the various crimes and potential face amounts of bail that are stipulated for crimes allowing bail in this manner.  You bail agent will be familiar with all the possible variations as soon as you give them the facts of your arrest and the charges.
Circumstances Matter

Bail amounts can differ based on the circumstances of a criminal accusation and subsequent arrest. For instance, a person who kills another person with a vehicle may be charged with vehicular manslaughter, resulting in a bail amount averaging around $10,000.  However, if there was intent to use the vehicle to kill someone, the charge can then become vehicular homicide – for which there is no bail amount.   Other crimes with no bail amount include murder and capital murder. In these situations, neither a bail bonding agency nor any amount of money will get you released from jail while awaiting trial.

Correlation Between Jail Time and Bail

Some crimes carry a minimum sentence in California, and as such, you may be able to use the Solano County bail schedule to have a better idea of bail amounts based on the number of years in jail or prison the defendant is facing. For instance, someone looking at a potential of three years in prison may have their bail amount set at $15,000, while an individual who is facing a sentence of 16 years may be required to post up to $180,000 in order to be released from custody while awaiting their trial.

In most cases a bail agent will be able to work with you to post a bond on your behalf, allowing your freedom until a verdict is pronounced. Not only will you be able to return to your home, job and family, but also your release will give you the time and access to assist in building a proper defense.  Sitting in jail is never something you want to do if there is any choice, and with the many options available – from zero down financing to collateral loans – in most cases you are only one phone call away from securing your release.

If you’re in a bind anywhere from Oakland to Santa Ana, give us a call!

Battery | California PC 243

In California, a criminal charge of battery is serious, but when the charge is battery upon an officer of the law, the consequences of a conviction can be dire. From fines to penalties, including jail time, people convicted of battery upon an officer may face very stiff sentences, and these sentences can be magnified depending upon the circumstances of the battery charge.

Definition of Battery

In many cases, people confuse the words “assault” and “battery.” An assault is simply the threat of force with the reasonable ability to carry it out. An example of an assault may be when someone threatens to hit another person while holding baseball bat. Battery, on the other hand, is the actual use of force, even if no threats have been made. Essentially, one can be charged with assault, battery or both.

Definition of an Officer

While it’s quite obvious that a sworn police officer is considered an officer under the law, there are also other definitions according to California law. For instance, a police dog or other law enforcement service animal is considered to be an officer, and some security officers are also covered under the label. Traffic officers and code enforcement officers are also considered to be officers under the law, meaning the penalties for battery upon such individuals are just as strong as if they were police officers in uniform.

Fines and Penalties

The typical fine for battery upon an officer in California is $2,000, but the amount can be lower. Additionally, individuals convicted of battery upon an officer may face as much as one year in a county jail for their actions, and this jail sentence may be combined with a fine. There are also unseen costs associated with a battery upon an officer conviction, including a criminal record and lessened job opportunities in the future.

What You Can Do If Charged

In most cases, a bail amount will be set for you once you are arraigned. At this point, you will want to seek out the nearest Bail Hotline office. The average bail amount for battery upon an officer is $3,000, but this amount can change dramatically depending on the circumstances of your arrest. In addition, if you are charged with other crimes in addition to battery upon an officer, your bail amount may be substantially higher.

If you ever find yourself in a situation where you are tempted to strike an officer of the law, it would be wise to resist. Even if you feel that they are treating you unfairly, it is almost always better to bring that information out in a court of law on your own terms, not the officer’s. If an officer is physically abusing you, do not resist and always try to reasonably comply with any orders you are given. Once your arrest is complete, you will have the opportunity to present your case before a judge, and this is always a better option when compared with being charged with battery upon an officer. 

Reasonable Bail | The 8th Amendment

The United States Constitution provides several rights for those accused of crimes within our country. The founding fathers wanted to ensure that the federal and state governments could not become corrupt and violate a person’s civil liberties without facing repercussions.

One of the rights that many people may only become familiar with after they or a family member is arrested is the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution. This amendment guarantees the government cannot impose excessive bail, and it also prevents cruel and unusual punishment. Many people become confused when someone is held without bail, so it is important to know some nuances of the Eighth Amendment.

Historic Roots

The Eighth Amendment was part of the Bill of Rights, which was adopted in 1791, but this is not where the idea of reasonable bail was originally conceived. Sheriffs in England were allowed to decide whether or not a person could be bailed out of jail, but they often abused this power. In 1275, the English Parliament thought it solved this problem by specifying which crimes were bailable and which ones were not.

The King of England then began subverting this law and claimed that he had the right to hold people in jails without bail at will. The back and forth between executive officers and the legislative body of England continued until 1689 when the English Bill of Rights stated that excessive bail shouldn’t be required. Americans brought this basic idea to the New World with them, and once they gained their freedom they held onto many laws that had made England a great nation.

What it Means Today

Many people wonder how the 8th Amendment applies to the modern day world. Some are surprised when they see TV shows where defendants are remanded without bail, thinking that this is a violation of the Constitution. Unfortunately for some people accused of crimes, it is not. The Eighth Amendment only guarantees that courts cannot set excessive bail; it does not, however, state that bail is required.

America in general requires high bail amounts that many people find excessive, creating the need for bail bond agencies and bounty hunters. It is obvious that America is different than other countries in its view of “excessive bail,” demonstrated by the fact that it is one of the few countries in the world where bounty hunting is actually legal.

There are numerous times when a person may be denied bail. If the Court believes a person presents a serious threat to others if they are released, then it is their duty to hold the person in jail. Bail is meant to ensure that a person returns for their court date, so if a judge believes there is no bail amount that will guarantee a person’s return, they can deny bail outright. For instance, this can be the case if someone is accused of a crime that could bring the death penalty if convicted. As mentioned previously, bail amounts in America are exceptionally high, but if a person feels their Eighth Amendment rights are being violated, they should contact a bail bond agent and lawyer as soon as possible.

The Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution is meant to protect those accused of crimes from corrupt governments. This amendment has been running through our forefather’s blood since before America became a nation. Just because the government cannot impose excessive bail on a person, however, does not mean that they must grant bail. A person who feels their rights are being violated will never be noticed if they do not speak up.

Orange County’s Bail Schedule

Many people who are thrust into the criminal justice system for the first time are often confused and unaware of their rights. Unfortunately, most police departments don’t inform people of information that could potentially help them out. One fact that many people do not know is that it isn’t mandatory to see a judge to receive bail after being arrested.

Bail Hotline in Orange County can usually have a person out of jail within a few hours of their arrest by utilizing the county’s bail bond schedule. There are numerous schedules throughout the state of California, but if someone is arrested in Orange County, they will have to follow Orange County’s rules.

Bail Schedules

Bail schedules are important in saving the county money and giving people a chance to prepare their defense. Orange County’s bail schedule has an almost exhaustive list of crimes that might be committed within the county. Each of these crimes has a set bail amount that a person can choose to post before ever having to stand before a judge. This saves the county money on housing an inmate for a few days – but more importantly, it allows the accused to work on his or her defense outside of jail walls.

Once a person is booked they can make a call to a bail bond agent, who will know the exact preset bail amount necessary for their release. This is also a good idea because once a person stands before a judge, the judge has the option of raising the preset bail amount after considering aggravated circumstances.

Crimes and Contingencies

Though Orange County’s schedule does have many types of crimes listed, the Orange County Superior Court realized when they passed the schedule that it would be nearly impossible to cover all contingencies. To deal with this issue, the Court included a list of bail amounts for crimes not mentioned within the bail schedule; these amounts are contingent on the maximum incarceration term that a person faces.

Someone who faces ten years in prison, for instance, will have a $55,000 bail amount. A person facing life in prison will have a bail amount of one million dollars. Prior strikes in the county also add another $100,000 to a person’s bail, so these amounts can get quite high.

A person accused of murder faces a one million dollar bail amount. The schedule, however, states that if special circumstances exist in the murder, then a person can be held without bail. This means that if presumption is great that a person committed the crime, they can be held until trial.   One crime that may not have been seen on many bail schedules before 2001 is using a weapon of mass destruction. If death is caused through the weapon’s use, then a person faces at least a one million dollar bail amount.

Being arrested can turn into a nightmare for anyone. Imprisonment, fines and court costs are all penalties that a person accused of a crime can face. Luckily, the Orange County bail schedule allows most people to get out on bail before ever having to see a judge – allowing the accused to gather information and evidence to use for their defense. It also gives them a better chance of reaching a positive outcome with their lawyer. Contacting your bail agent means the defendant may be released from jail within a few hours so that they have a better shot at a fair trial.

 Click here to download Orange County’s 2012 Bail Schedule in pdf.