Your trusted partner on how to get a bail reduction in California. Jail times can be stressful at the best of times. When you or a loved one is arrested, it is natural to feel shocked, intimated, and scared. So, of course, your first worry is to make sure you can get yourself or your friend out as soon as possible.
If you are not familiar with the California justice system, the fastest and most effective way to get someone out of jail is by paying their bail bond. However, a brief word of warning regarding bail bonds: Bail bonds do not replace a trial, nor do they exonerate an individual from a crime they have committed. They are not a get out of jail card. But they ensure that a person can be released until their trial, where a decision can be made regarding their involvement in criminal activities and their guilt.
How are bail bonds set?
In the state of California, judges set the bail within 24 hours of a defendant's arrest. Alternatively, your bail bond can also be pre-determined and features on the arrest warrant.
Bail bonds can differ greatly in amount for a variety of reasons. Indeed, each individual county in California has its own bail schedule, which directs the judge's decision. Yet, according to California penal Code 1275, a judge may increase the bail at their own discretion in special circumstances:
- The defendant could be considered a threat to the public safety if they were released before the trial
- The defendant may cause further harm to a victim if they are to be released
- The defendant is a flight risk, meaning they may escape justice and not appear at their trial if released
- The crimes are serious
- The defendant already has previous criminal convictions
- The defendant has used a weapon during the crime
- Other aggravating factors are shared between the judge and the prosecutor.
How high can bail bonds be?
There is no strict limit to the amount of a bail bond. Some of the highest bail bonds in the justice system reached over a billion dollars. However, these are uncommon.
California Superior Court Judges have shared the most frequently seen bail amounts for some of the most common crimes.
For example, if an individual is arrested for restraining order violations, they are likely to face a bail bond of $15,000. The amount increases exponentially to include protection for minors and seniors. If an individual has prior convictions, the bail bond for restraining order violations could even increase to $150,000.
DUI offenders typically face bail bonds ranging from $50,000 to $100,000.
An individual arrested for drug possession could be given a bail bond of $50,000 up to $500,000 depending on their age and the substance used. If you are charged with intent to sell, your bail bond will increase accordingly.
Theft or burglary bail bonds are between $20,000 for petty theft and up to $100,000 for first-degree robbery.
Being arrested on account of assault charges will see a bail amount varying from $10,000 to $1,000,000, depending on the severity of the crime.
Finally, weapon charges can include assault, shooting, and possession without a permit. The bail bonds range from $20,000 to $1,000,000.
As mentioned, the judge may choose to increase your bail bond at their own discretion, but these figures can give you an idea of how much an individual can expect to pay based on the alleged crime.
Working with a bail bond agent already brings the bail bond down
Reaching out to a professional bail bond agency, such as Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds, will automatically reduce your bail. Indeed, agents only charge 10% of your bail, which means that if you are charged with a bail set at $10,000, you only need to fund 10% while the bond agent will handle the rest.
Your presence at the trial will exonerate you from paying the remaining 90% of the bail bond. Bear in mind that if you choose to avoid the trial, you will be responsible for the total amount.
Are there other ways to get a bail reduction in California?
The answer is yes. As judges increase the bail at their own discretion, they can also consider reducing it. While there is no guarantee that your bail bond will be reduced, you can reach out to the judge to make a plea.
The defendant's arraignment is the first hearing during which the defendant gets the speak on their own behalf and present their side of the story. You may use this opportunity to plead either guilty, not guilty, or choose not to contest the crime. Pleading non-guilty contributes to your bail bond being addressed. Both the prosecutor and the defense can submit motions to influence the bail amount. In some cases, when there is reasonable doubt or a unique situation, the defendant could be released without bail.
What influences the judge to reduce your bail?
The judge will consider the defendant's criminal history, involvement in the community, and eligibility for conditional release. The conditional release can obtain a bail reduction on the condition that the defendant agrees to a specific request:
- Surrendering their passport
- Remaining on house arrest
- Wearing a SCRAM device (remote alcohol monitor)
- Receiving inpatient treatment
Circumstances that will contribute to lowering your bail include:
- No prior criminal charges or minor charges
- Being able to pay the bail within 72 hours
- Active in community projects, religious groups, or local volunteering programs
- Being a property owner in the local community
- Living locally or having a local family
- Your lawyer manages to drop or reduce some of the charges
How Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds can help
We have a long experience helping defendants face high bail bonds. Whether your bail can be reduced or not, rest assured that our team can help with dedicated financing options.
Additionally, it's worth noting that your bail bond premium rate can be dropped to 7%, even if the bail bond amount remains the same. We can help you gain a better understanding of your options.
Don't hesitate to reach out to our team to find out more about our services and our lowest rates guarantee.
