DUI Bail Amounts in California: First, Second, Third & Felony DUI

Beer mug and car key illustration representing DUI bail amounts in California

DUI Bail Amounts in California: First, Second, Third & Felony DUI

A DUI arrest in California can end two very different ways. A first-time misdemeanor often means a citation and a same-day release with little or no bail. A felony DUI — a fourth offense, or any DUI that injured someone — can carry bail in the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. The difference comes down to your prior record, whether anyone was hurt, and a handful of enhancements. This guide breaks down how bail is set at each tier so you know what to expect before you call.

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

How California classifies a DUI

Most DUIs are charged under Vehicle Code 23152 — driving under the influence, or driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher. A DUI that causes injury is charged under the more serious Vehicle Code 23153. Whether your case is a misdemeanor or a felony usually turns on your history and the harm involved.

First, second & third DUI (VC 23152) — normally misdemeanors within a 10-year lookback. Bail tends to be low, and first offenses are frequently cite-and-release.
Fourth DUI within 10 years (VC 23550) — can be charged as a felony even with no accident, which raises bail substantially.
DUI causing injury (VC 23153) — a “wobbler” that can be filed as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the injuries; felony filings carry much higher bail.
DUI with a prior felony DUI — a new DUI after a prior felony DUI is charged as a felony (VC 23550.5).
DUI causing death — can be charged as vehicular manslaughter or, for a repeat offender who was previously warned of the dangers, “Watson” second-degree murder. Bail here is set very high and often held for a judge.

Typical DUI 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.

First-offense misdemeanor DUI: frequently cite-and-release, or bail in the low thousands.
Second or third misdemeanor DUI: higher than a first, as priors push the schedule up.
Felony DUI (fourth offense or prior felony DUI): commonly in the tens of thousands of dollars.
DUI causing injury (VC 23153): ranges widely with the severity of the injuries — often mid five figures and up.
DUI causing death: six figures or a no-bail hold pending a judge’s review.

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 DUI bail higher

Prior DUIs. The 10-year lookback is the single biggest factor. Each prior raises the schedule, and a fourth prior can convert the charge to a felony.
Injury or death. Any injury moves the case toward VC 23153 and a felony filing; a fatality can mean a no-bail hold.
High blood alcohol content. A BAC of 0.15% or higher is an aggravating factor and can add enhancements.
Chemical-test refusal. Refusing a breath or blood test adds a sentencing enhancement and can raise bail.
A minor in the vehicle. Driving under the influence with a child under 14 in the car (VC 23572) adds a mandatory enhancement.
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.

Don’t forget the DMV clock

A DUI triggers two separate cases: the criminal case (where bail is set) and an administrative case with the California DMV over your driver’s license. You generally have 10 days from the arrest to request a DMV hearing to contest the automatic license suspension. Posting bail does not pause that clock, so make the call to a defense attorney early. Bail gets your loved one home; the DMV deadline protects their license.

Can DUI 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. For first-time cases, judges often grant release on the defendant’s own recognizance (no money required) or a reduced amount. Under the California Supreme Court’s decision in In re Humphrey, a court must also consider a person’s ability to pay before setting bail they cannot afford.

How a bail bond works for a DUI

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 $25,000 felony DUI bail, that’s roughly $2,500, 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 DUI

Locate them and get the booking number using the inmate locator.
Call a licensed bondsman to confirm the exact charge, the bail amount, and whether any hold is attached.
Note the 10-day DMV deadline and get a defense attorney involved, especially for a second offense or any injury case.
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 DUI? 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

24-hour California bail bonds — anywhere in the state. Call 800.590.7321 or send us a message.

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