California Bail Amounts Explained: Bail by Crime Type (2026 Guide)

If someone has been arrested in California, one of the first questions families ask is: How much is bail?

California counties follow official bail schedules that list preset bail amounts for specific criminal offenses. While amounts can vary slightly by county, most jurisdictions follow similar ranges for common crimes.

This guide explains how bail is determined in California and outlines typical bail ranges for common charges.

California Bail Amounts by Offense Type

Each crime category has a different recommended bail range under California county bail schedules. Some offenses may qualify for release on citation, while others require significantly higher bail depending on circumstances.

Note for Los Angeles County: the 2026 bail schedules replaced dollar bail with a pre-arraignment release protocol for many lower-level offenses, so some charges are released without money bail before arraignment. The ranges below reflect arraignment and warrant bail. Other counties, including Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino, still use dollar figures throughout.

How Bail Is Determined in California

After someone is arrested and booked into jail, bail is usually set according to the county’s official bail schedule.

A judge may increase or decrease bail depending on several factors:

• Prior criminal history
• Flight risk
• Severity of the alleged offense
• Public safety concerns
• Probation or parole status

In certain serious felony cases, bail may be denied entirely.

Related: Felony vs. Misdemeanor Bail in California: How the Amount Is Set →

DUI Bail Amounts in California

Typical Bail Range: $5,000 – $25,000+

• First-time misdemeanor DUI: $5,000 – $10,000
• DUI with injury: $25,000+
• Felony DUI (multiple priors): $50,000+
• DUI causing great bodily injury: $100,000+

Can you be released without bail for DUI?

In some counties, first-time DUI suspects may be released on citation depending on the circumstances and jail policies.

Full guide: DUI Bail Amounts in California: First, Second, Third & Felony DUI →
See also: Hit & Run Bail Amounts

Domestic Violence Bail Amount

Typical Bail Range: $20,000 – $75,000+

• Misdemeanor domestic battery: $20,000 – $30,000
• Corporal injury to spouse: $50,000+
• Cases involving prior convictions may result in higher bail

Courts often set higher bail for domestic violence charges due to victim safety considerations.

Full guide: Domestic Violence Bail Amounts in California: EPOs, No-Contact Orders & Holds →
See also: Child Endangerment & Domestic Battery Bail Amounts

Drug Charges Bail Amount

Typical Bail Range: $10,000 – $250,000+

• Simple possession: $10,000+
• Possession with intent to sell: $20,000 – $50,000+
• Drug trafficking: $100,000+
• Large-scale distribution: $250,000+

Are federal drug charges different?

Yes. Federal criminal cases follow a different detention process and may not use standard county bail schedules.

Full guide: Drug Charge Bail Amounts in California: Possession, Sales & Trafficking →

Assault and Violent Crime Bail Amounts

Typical Bail Range: $25,000 – $500,000+

• Simple assault: $25,000+
• Assault with a deadly weapon: $50,000 – $100,000+
• Robbery: $100,000+
• Attempted murder: $500,000+

Enhancements such as gang allegations or great bodily injury can increase bail significantly.

Full guides: Assault & Battery Bail Amounts (PC 240, 242, 245) →
Robbery & Carjacking Bail Amounts (PC 211, 212.5, 215) →
Resisting Arrest Bail Amounts (PC 148, PC 69) →

Theft, Burglary, and Property Crime Bail

Typical Bail Range: $5,000 – $50,000+

• Petty theft (misdemeanor): $5,000 – $10,000
• Grand theft: $20,000+
• Commercial burglary: $20,000+
• Residential burglary: $50,000+

Full guides: Theft & Shoplifting Bail Amounts: Petty, Grand, Burglary & Robbery →
Vandalism Bail Amounts (PC 594, Graffiti & Property Damage) →
Fraud & White-Collar Bail Amounts (PC 470, 503, 530.5) →

Weapons Charges Bail Amount

Typical Bail Range: $30,000 – $250,000+

• Felon in possession of a firearm: $35,000+
• Illegal firearm sales: $100,000+
• Weapon charges involving gang enhancements may carry significantly higher bail

Full guides: Weapons Charges Bail Amounts (PC 417, 21310, 16590) →
Gun-Related Charges Bail Amounts in California →

Sex Crime Bail Amount

Typical Bail Range: $100,000 – $1,000,000+

• Sexual battery: $100,000+
• Rape: $500,000+
• Lewd acts involving minors: $250,000+

These offenses often carry some of the highest bail amounts under California law.

Full guide: Sex Crime Bail Amounts in California: PC 243.4, 314 & Felony Offenses →

When Is Bail Denied in California?

Bail may be denied in cases involving:

• Capital offenses
• Serious violent felonies
• Repeat offenders with violent histories
• Severe flight risk

A judge ultimately determines whether release is appropriate based on the facts of the case.

Related: Police Holds, ICE Holds & “No Bail” in California →
What Happens at Arraignment in California →

How Bail Bonds Work in California

Most families do not pay the full bail amount directly to the jail.

Instead, they work with a licensed bail bond company and pay approximately 10% of the total bail as a non-refundable premium.

Example

• Bail set at $40,000
• You pay approximately $4,000
• The bail agent posts the full $40,000 with the jail

Release time depends on the jail facility and booking workload.

Run your numbers with the California Bail Cost Calculator →
More detail: How Does Bail Work? · How Much Do You Pay Upfront for Bail? · Becoming a Bail Bond Cosigner · $500 Down Bail Bonds

How Long Does Release Take After Bail Is Posted?

Release timelines vary depending on the facility and booking volume.

• 2 – 6 hours at smaller local jails
• 6 – 18+ hours at large county jail facilities

Transfers, high inmate intake, or administrative processing may extend release times.

County-by-county release process:
Los Angeles County Jail Bail Process →
Orange County Jail Bail Process: IRC Santa Ana & Theo Lacy →
Riverside & San Bernardino County Jail Bail Process →
See also: How Long Does It Take to Get Out on Bail in LA County? · What Happens After Posting Bail

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 10% bail premium refundable?

No. The bail bond premium is a non-refundable service fee. See how much you pay upfront for a full breakdown.

Can bail be reduced?

Yes. A defense attorney can request a bail reduction hearing, which is usually heard at or after arraignment.

What happens if someone misses court?

The bail bond may be forfeited and a warrant may be issued. See Warrant & Failure to Appear Bail Amounts and how to clear a bench warrant.

Do all counties have the same bail schedule?

No. Each county sets its own bail schedule, although many follow similar ranges. Compare the Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside & San Bernardino processes.

Can you bail out a minor?

Juvenile cases follow a different process than adult custody. See Can You Bail Out a Minor in California?