Weapons Charges Bail Amounts in California: PC 417, 21310 & 16590

Not every weapons charge in California involves a gun. The state has a long list of laws covering knives, batons, brass knuckles, and other prohibited weapons — and the bail for these charges ranges from a low misdemeanor amount to a serious felony figure, depending on the exact section and the person’s record. This guide covers the non-firearm weapons offenses. If your case involves a gun, see our gun-related charges bail guide; if a weapon was used to threaten or hurt someone, see assault & battery.

The short version: bail for a California weapons charge is set by the bail schedule in the county where the arrest happened, then adjusted at arraignment based on the exact section and any enhancements. A bail bond costs a premium of around 10% of the full amount. Estimate yours with our California bail cost calculator.

How California classifies non-firearm weapons charges

Most non-firearm weapons offenses fall into two buckets: brandishing (displaying a weapon in a threatening way) and illegal possession or carrying of a prohibited or concealed weapon. Many are “wobblers” — chargeable as a misdemeanor or a felony — which is what makes the bail range so wide.

Brandishing a weapon (Penal Code 417) — drawing or exhibiting a deadly weapon in a rude or threatening manner. Usually a misdemeanor; low bail.
Carrying a concealed dirk or dagger (Penal Code 21310) — carrying a concealed fixed-blade or stabbing weapon. A wobbler; felony filings raise bail.
Switchblade knife (Penal Code 21510) — possessing, carrying, or selling a switchblade with a blade of 2 inches or more. Typically a misdemeanor.
Generally prohibited weapons (Penal Code 16590) — brass knuckles, batons/billy clubs, nunchaku, shurikens, and other listed items. A wobbler.
Possession of a deadly weapon with intent to assault (Penal Code 17500) — a misdemeanor that can accompany other charges.

Typical weapons-charge bail ranges in California

Exact numbers vary by county — Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino each publish their own bail schedule and the figures differ. The ranges below are typical, not guarantees, and any of them can move at arraignment.

Brandishing (PC 417) or a misdemeanor knife charge: frequently cite-and-release, or bail in the low thousands.
Concealed dirk or dagger (PC 21310) as a misdemeanor: typically low thousands.
Concealed dirk or dagger, or prohibited weapon (PC 16590), filed as a felony: commonly in the tens of thousands.
Weapon charge with a prior or on school grounds: higher, as priors and location enhancements push the schedule up.

Because the spread is so wide, the most reliable way to learn the real number is to have a licensed bondsman pull the booking record. We can do that 24/7 — start by locating the person with our California inmate locator.

What pushes weapons-charge bail higher

A felony filing. When a wobbler like PC 21310 or PC 16590 is charged as a felony rather than a misdemeanor, bail jumps.
Prior convictions. A record — especially prior weapons or violent offenses — raises the schedule.
Location. Carrying a weapon on school grounds (Penal Code 626.10) or into a public building carries its own elevated bail.
Use against a person. If the weapon was used to threaten or injure someone, the case moves toward assault with a deadly weapon (PC 245) and much higher bail — see our assault & battery guide.
Gang allegations. A gang enhancement (Penal Code 186.22) pushes bail up significantly.
Holds. A probation, parole, or immigration hold can block release even after bail is posted. We explain how each one works in our guide to police, ICE & “no bail” holds.

Can weapons-charge bail be reduced?

Yes. At arraignment — usually within 48 hours of arrest, as we cover in our arraignment guide — a defense attorney can ask the judge to lower bail based on community ties, employment, and a limited record. Many non-firearm weapons charges are misdemeanors or borderline wobblers, so judges often grant release on the person’s own recognizance or a reduced amount. Under the California Supreme Court’s decision in In re Humphrey, the court must also consider a person’s ability to pay before setting bail they cannot afford.

How a bail bond works for a weapons charge

If you can’t pay the full bail in cash, a licensed bail bondsman posts it for you in exchange for a premium — typically about 10% of the face amount. On a $20,000 felony weapons bail, that’s roughly $2,000, and we can usually arrange a payment plan so you don’t pay it all at once. See how little can get the process started with a $500 down bail bond in LA County, and read the mechanics in our how does bail work guide.

Step-by-step if a loved one was arrested for a weapons charge

Locate them and get the booking number using the inmate locator.
Call a licensed bondsman to confirm the exact charge, whether it’s filed as a misdemeanor or felony, the bail amount, and whether any hold is attached.
Consider representation. For any felony weapons filing or a case tied to an assault, get a defense attorney involved before arraignment.
Arrange the bond. You’ll need a cosigner and the premium or a payment plan — see what cosigning means in our cosigner guide.
Post and walk out. Once the bond is posted, release timing depends on the jail — see how long it takes to get out.

Facing a California weapons charge? Let’s get the real bail number and a plan to get out. Call 800.590.7321 or message 626.862.0627 any time.

Related guides

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