Robbery & Carjacking Bail Amounts in California: PC 211, 212.5 & 215

Robbery is one of the charges California treats most seriously. Unlike a simple theft, robbery means taking property from a person by force or fear — and that single element pushes it from a possible citation into a felony “strike” with bail measured in the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Carjacking, its close cousin, is charged even more aggressively. This guide breaks down how bail is set for each so you know what to expect before you call.

The short version: bail for a California robbery or carjacking charge is set by the bail schedule in the county where the arrest happened, then adjusted at arraignment based on the exact section, the degree, and any weapon or injury 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 robbery

Robbery under Penal Code 211 is always a felony — there is no misdemeanor version. What changes the bail exposure is the degree, the number of victims, and whether a weapon was involved.

Second-degree robbery (PC 211 / 212.5(c)) — the most common form, covering robberies that don’t meet the first-degree criteria. A felony strike.
First-degree robbery (PC 212.5(a)/(b)) — a robbery of someone in a home, in or around an ATM, or of a driver or passenger of a vehicle (taxi, rideshare, bus). Carries higher bail than second-degree.
Carjacking (PC 215) — taking a motor vehicle from a person by force or fear. Charged separately from robbery and treated as a violent felony with its own elevated bail.
“Estes” robbery — a shoplifting that becomes a robbery when the person uses force or fear to keep the merchandise or escape. It is charged as a full robbery, not petty theft.
Attempted robbery (PC 664/211) — a felony even when nothing was taken; bail is typically lower than a completed robbery.

Typical robbery & carjacking 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.

Second-degree robbery (PC 211): commonly in the mid five figures, often around $50,000 and up.
First-degree robbery (PC 212.5): higher than second-degree, frequently reaching six figures.
Carjacking (PC 215): typically six figures, and higher when a weapon is alleged.
With a firearm enhancement: a gun allegation under Penal Code 12022.53 can add very large amounts and push bail well into six figures.
Multiple counts or victims: bail is often set per count, so several charges stack quickly.

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 robbery bail higher

A weapon. A firearm allegation (PC 12022.53, the “10-20-life” enhancement) or any deadly weapon dramatically raises both the charge and the bail.
Great bodily injury. A GBI enhancement (Penal Code 12022.7) stacks on top of the robbery count and adds years and bail.
The “strike” factor. Robbery and carjacking are violent felonies and strikes under California’s Three Strikes law, which raises the stakes and the bail — especially for anyone with a prior strike.
First-degree circumstances. A home, an ATM, or a vehicle-for-hire setting bumps the charge to first-degree.
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 robbery bail be reduced?

Sometimes. 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 the specifics of the allegation. Because robbery is a violent strike, reductions are harder to win than on a low-level charge, but they do happen, especially where the evidence is thin or the person has no record. 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 robbery 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 $100,000 robbery bail, that’s roughly $10,000, 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 robbery or carjacking

Locate them and get the booking number using the inmate locator.
Call a licensed bondsman to confirm the exact charge, the degree, the bail amount, and whether any hold is attached.
Get a defense attorney involved early. On any robbery or carjacking — and especially a case with a firearm or GBI enhancement — representation before arraignment matters.
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 robbery or carjacking 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.

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