Possession of drugs is a common crime to be arrested for in California. When someone is arrested and charged on suspicion of drug possession, it's likely that a bail amount will be set to give them a chance to get out of jail until their trial begins. It's helpful to understand how this process happens, for what reasons, and how much the bail amount could be.
One of your first questions might be how much the bail amount is going to be. This is natural, as it's a stressful situation, especially where finances are concerned. The crime the defendant is accused of is one of the factors that can make a difference in how much the bail is set at. Other factors include criminal record, past behavior, and whether the charge is set as a misdemeanor or a felony.
Bail Amount for Possession of Drugs in California
The amount that bail will be for possession of drugs in California depends on the location. Some jurisdictions may be different from others.
In Orange County, the misdemeanor bail for possession of illegal or controlled substances starts at $2,500. This is set at $10,000 for second and subsequent violations.
If the crime is classed as a felony, the bail amount for drug possession is $20,000. This amount is higher for possession with the intent to sell, with bail amounts reaching millions of dollars, depending on the substance and the volume in the person's possession.
Bail amounts can also be higher, depending on certain factors. A judge will take into account other factors that they feel might affect the person's flight risk or whether they should be allowed to remain free while awaiting trial. Things like your employment status, standing in the community, and criminal record could all help or hurt your bail amount.
Additionally, the circumstances surrounding the crime can also make a difference in the decision that the judge makes. There are different types of possession, which include actual possession, constructive possession, and joint possession. Other factors could include whether other crimes are also on the books, such as driving while under the influence, intent to sell, or drug trafficking.
You can't guess what the exact bail amount is going to be. The best thing to do is wait until the bail has been set and find out what it is. Working with a bail bond agency can help to make this easier. They can help you to find the information that you need, as well as provide advice on how much the bail amount could be.
What to Do If Someone Is Arrested for Drug Possession
If someone you know is arrested for drug possession, they will have an arraignment hearing to enter a plea and for bail to be set. You can then find out how much the bail is through several channels, including checking online or contacting a bail bonds agent. Family members and third parties can post bail. A bail bond service can provide the bail amount if you can pay 10% or sometimes less.
