Bail is the system by which a defendant in a criminal case posts a bond with the court so that they may be released from jail pending resolution of their criminal matter. Bail may be posted through a bail bondsman for a fee of which only a small portion of the bond is posted by the defendant or the defendant may post the full amount to avoid any fees.
Note: On October 1, 2019 the bail system is California is scheduled to dramatically change with the passage of Senate Bill 10. The bill provides for the elimination of cash bail and for it to be replaced by a system of judicial discretion for felony offenses. There will no longer be any misdemeanors that will require bail.
Going Into And Getting Out of Jail
- How The Bail System Works In California – Learn about the details of the bail process in California including how to bail out an inmate.
- Being Released On You Own Recognizance After An Arrest – Situations where bail is not needed include many misdemenaor offenses.
- California Infractions and Misdemeanor Bail Schedule – This list provides the total dollar cost of bail per infraction or misdemeanor charge.
- California Felony Bail Schedule – This list provides the total dollar cost of bail per felony charge.
Additional Resources
Court Appearances
Find out what steps are taken in criminal cases.
Legal Motions
Resources on legal motions that can be filed in court to help defend cases.
Sentencing
Learn about sentencing in criminal cases and post conviction matters.