How much is bail in California for a DUI?

After being caught driving under the influence in the state of California, drivers have the option of paying bail to the judicial system (DUI). The bail payment can enable drivers to keep their freedom until the beginning of their criminal trial for DUI, drugs, or alcohol.

Make use of this article to learn how much the bail will be for driving under the influence charge in Los Angeles.

Study California's Bail Practices

Before we analyze the number of bonds drivers must pay after a DUI, let's quickly discuss the legal purpose of bail fees in California. Bail protects the legal system, ensuring that a defendant will show up for all dates of their criminal trial.

After their case is resolved, drivers can receive their bail money back. Regardless of the outcome of the driver's case, the amount will be reimbursed as well as they were in court for all necessary dates.

It should be noted that bail is frequently not needed for first-time DUI offenders. It's possible to discharge these drivers on their supervised release.

Need help? You can start with a warrant check in San Diego

California DUI Injury Bail Payment Prices

As we previously indicated, court bail is frequently waived for drivers charged with a first-time DUI. The opposite is not always true. In actuality, the court can demand bail payment before discharging a driver.

Each moment a driver is detained on suspicion of DUI, the court may also ask for a more considerable bond sum. The legal system advises that motorists pay:

For a first DUI: $5,000

For a subsequent DUI: $15,000

For a third DUI: $25,000

The bail as mentioned above rates is only applied to simple minor DUI offenses. A driver suspected of a minor DUI injury violation may face the following charges:

For the initial DUI injury bail: $20,000

For a subsequent DUI injury, bail: $50,000

The Los Angeles bail schedule suggests a $50,000 bond if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction and $20,000 bail for first-time offenders who are accused of DUI injury bail in violation of Section 23153 VC of the California Vehicle Code. If the defendant's BAC was.15 percent or greater, the schedule suggests an extra $10,000.

In Los Angeles, drivers accused of felony DUI may be required to post $100,000 bail. Be aware that most drivers accused of felony DUI will be required to post bail. After their arrest, it seems unlikely that they will be freed without bail.

Enhanced Bail Payments for Those Arrested for Driving Under the Influence in California

In some circumstances in Los Angeles, the court process has the authority to raise the amount of bail required for a DUI conviction. For instance, anyone convicted of driving while intoxicated may have an additional $10,000 applied to the bail fee if they were also accused of:

1. Accidentally injuring another driver while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

2. Operating a motor vehicle with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.15 percent or higher

3. Refusing to submit to chemical testing for blood alcohol content when requested by an agency of law enforcement.

If a driver is suspected of committing two of the behaviors mentioned above in connection with the same DUI crime, the court system has the authority to raise the bond sum by $25,000. An experienced criminal defense attorney in California can evaluate the specific bail charges that a driver is up against.

Dealing with a Bail Hearing in California? Get Assistance

As can be seen, the amount of money required to post bail for a DUI conviction in California can be costly. After being detained, the vast majority of people cannot afford big bucks to offer as a bond to the court. Because of this, some drivers decide to seek assistance from a bail bond agent.

The judge may place restrictions of release that perhaps a defendant will be required to adhere to while out of custody, regardless of whether the defendant posts bond and is freed. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings must be attended, alcohol monitoring devices must be worn, alcohol education programs and residential treatment programs must be enrolled in, and ignition interlock devices must be installed.

The defense lawyer and the prosecutor can comment on any suggested bond amount or release condition at the defendant's arraignment. The judge will decide the proper bond amount and release conditions after hearing the arguments.

Suppose you or a family has been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, and you have questions regarding bail and other related matters. In that case, Golden Boy Bail Bonds must be contacted as quickly as possible to assist you or a loved one with the DUI procedure, including the bail process.

FAQ's:

1. How are the amounts for DUI bail determined?

After a person is detained and accused of driving under the influence, the court will set a bail hearing date to decide whether the person can be granted bail. The court will enable DUI to be given bail if there is a significant chance that you will hurt someone else. However, the court will probably set a large bond if your case includes an injury.

2. What factors will the judge consider while setting bail?

Whether or if the charge against you is a felony or a misdemeanor. The importance of ensuring the public's safety. The possibility that you would "jump bail" or otherwise depart the jurisdiction in which you were arrested. The presence of aggravating circumstances in your cases, such as prior convictions, the fact that the accident occurred on a construction site, or the severity of the victim's injuries, can make the sentence more severe.

3. What Occurs During a DUI Stop

A police officer will probably pull over a driver for suspected DUI if seen swerving between lanes, disregarding traffic signs, or driving at abnormally fast or low speeds. After pulling over, the officer will request the driver's license and registration. The police will be closely watching for any indications of intoxication throughout the stop.

4. What aggravating circumstances might influence the price of DUI bail?

The seriousness of the charges may rise and the price of bail if there were complicated circumstances at the time of the arrest. A substantial BAC, speeding, fleeing the accident scene, having a child in the vehicle, etc.

5. Who can we trust as an Experienced Bail Bond Agent?

It might be challenging to mount a compelling defense when confined, but Golden Boy Bail Bonds believe that each defendant should have an equal chance at freedom. Therefore, they provide quick and reasonable bail for defendants facing serious DUI charges.

How Much is it to Bail Someone Out of Jail?

Whether you or a loved one gets in trouble with the law, then you might have to pay bail to secure your release from jail. Think of a bail bond as your guarantee to the court that you will show up to all the court dates.

Securing a bail bond will allow you or your loved one to get back to your normal activities as soon as possible. It also gives you ample time to focus on your case. One common question our experienced agents hear is how much can bail cost.

In this guide, we'll discuss bail costs, including bail cost for DUI, bail cost for assault, and bail cost for domestic violence.

Who Pays Bail Money?

Wondering how bail is set? After the police arrest you or a friend, they will book you into jail after recording your personal information and taking your fingerprints.

They will also interrogate you and take your personal belongings. After that, a judge will determine how much bail you should pay at your first court appearance, also known as the arraignment stage. The judge can decide to release you without bail or set bail depending on various factors like:

  • The nature of the crime

  • Your criminal history

  • Whether you are on probation or parole

  • Whether you show up to all your court dates

How is the Bail Amount Determined?

The actual cost of bail bonds in San Diego, California, varies depending on the seriousness of the alleged crime. When evaluating the seriousness of your alleged crime, the judge will consider whether you have threatened the witnesses or the victim, and used deadly weapons like a gun to commit the crime.

The judge can also decide to increase or reduce your bail amount based on your criminal history and likelihood to show up to all your court cases. Above all, the judge will evaluate your criminal history to determine whether you are a danger to the community.

How Much Does Bail Bond Cost in San Diego, California?

Usually, the bail premium is 10% of the total bail amount. If the bail amount is $15,000, the bail premium will be $1500. This small percentage is a deposit you have to pay to compensate the bail agent for taking a financial risk. Please note that this bail premium is non-refundable.

Bail Cost for DUI in San Diego

Bail cost for driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense in San Diego. The bail amount for DUI varies depending on the types of DUI charges:

  • Minor driving under the influence with blood alcohol levels above .01% - $70

  • Driver under 21 driving under the influence with a blood-alcohol content of above .05% - $250

  • DUI 1st offense with a blood-alcohol level of above .08% - $2,500

  • DUI 2nd offense with a blood-alcohol content of above .08% - $10,000

  • DUI 3rd offense with a blood-alcohol content of above .08% - $15,000

  • DUI 1st offense with a blood-alcohol level of above .15% - $5,000

  • DUI 2nd offense with a blood-alcohol content of above .15% - $12,500

  • DUI 3rd offense with a blood-alcohol content of above .15% - $17,500

The charges can quickly turn to a felony if you have previous DUIs or hit and runs. If someone dies, the DUI charge can turn into manslaughter or murder.

Bail Cost for Domestic Violence in San Diego

The San Diego police department takes allegations of domestic violence seriously. Domestic violence charges are classified as a felony or misdemeanor. Felony domestic violence charges carry heavy fines and up to 4 years in state prison. Your actual bail cost for domestic violence will depend on your criminal history, whether a weapon was used, and the number of repeat offenses.

As a misdemeanor, domestic violence bail costs around $10,000 for a 1st time offender, $20,000 for a 2nd offense, and $40,000 for a 3rd offense.

Bail Cost for Drug Possession in San Diego

In San Diego, drug possession and trafficking with the intent to sell are felonies and carry huge penalties. For instance, the bail amount for possession of dangerous drugs and health care controlled substances is around $500. Moreover, the bail amount for transporting and selling drugs is around $25,000. If you are charged with taking drugs to prison, the bail amount will be around $20,000.

Bail Cost for Assault Charges in San Diego

Assault charges are either a felony or misdemeanor and carry huge penalties. Let's break down the bail amount for assault charges in San Diego.

  • Assault with a firearm - $20,000

  • Assault with a deadly weapon - $10,000

  • Assaulting a parking control officer - $5,000

  • Assaulting a police officer or firefighter - $10,000

  • Assaulting a highway worker - $5,000

  • Assaulting a public official - $25,000

  • Assault with rape - $100,000

  • Assault and raping a minor (under 18) - $200,000

  • Assault with rape during a burglary - $1,000,000

  • Assaulting a custodial officer - $20,000

  • Assault by a prisoner - $25,000

Bail Cost for Burglary in San Diego

Bail cost for burglary in San Diego varies depending on the severity. The bail amount for the possession of burglary tools is $1,000. In addition, the bail amount for burglary in San Diego is $5,000, and $50,000 for burglary with explosives.

The bail amount for shoplifting goods worth or less than $950 is $2,000.

How to Pay for Bail Bond

After bail has been set, you will have to post bail to secure your release or get a loved one from prison. You can use collateral, pay the full bail amount in cash, or hire an experienced bail bond agent. If you don't have immediate funds to get your loved one out of jail, it's highly advisable to find the best bail bonds in San Diego. An experienced bail bondsman will post the bail for you after paying the 10% bail premium. Moreover, an experienced bail bond agent will take care of the entire bail bond process to secure your release or quickly get a loved one out of jail.

Contact the experienced bail bond agents at Golden Boy Bail Bonds to request the best in DUI and domestic violence bail bonds in San Diego.

How Does Bail Bonds Work in CA : A Guide to the Judicial Process

When someone is arrested and charged with a crime in California, they will have to go through the judicial process. This process can be confusing, especially for those who have never been through it before. It is important to know how bail works in California and have a guide to the judicial process. We hope that this information will help you understand what happens when someone you know is arrested and charged with a crime.

What is Bail

Before we get into how bail works in California, it’s important to understand what bail is. Bail is money that a defendant pays to the court in order to be released from jail while they await their trial. The purpose of bail is to ensure that the defendant will return for their court date. The amount of bail is set by a judge and is based on the severity of the crime, the risk of flight, and the danger to the community.

How Does Bail Work in California

The first thing to understand is that there are two types of bail: criminal and civil. Criminal bail is set by a judge and is used to ensure that the accused appears in court for their trial. On the other hand, civil bail is set by the arresting officer and is used to secure the release of a defendant who has been arrested for a minor offense.

Once bail has been set, the next step is for the defendant to post bail. This can be done by paying the total bail amount in cash or by using a bail bond company. Bail bond companies will post the total amount of bail on behalf of the defendant, and in return, they will charge a non-refundable fee.

If the defendant fails to appear in court, they will forfeit their bail, and a warrant will be issued for their arrest. If the defendant does appear in court, their bail will be returned to them at the end of the case.

Now that you know how bail works in California, you can better understand the judicial process. If you or someone you know has been arrested, it is important to contact a bail bond company as soon as possible to ensure their release from custody.

If you have any further questions about how bail works in California, or if you need assistance posting bail, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at Golden Boy Bail Bonds! We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help you through this process. You can count on us to help secure your release from various detention facilities in San Diego, and we will do whatever it takes to make sure you are satisfied with our service.

Thank you for choosing Golden Boy Bail Bonds!


Get Legal Help in North County San Diego: Courthouses and Resources

If you are in need of legal assistance in North County San Diego, there are a few courthouses and resources that you should know about. Every city has its own set of courthouses, so it is important that you know where to go when seeking legal assistance. 

The Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, is located in downtown San Diego and has jurisdiction over all criminal and civil matters in the county. There are also several branch courts located throughout the county that can handle specific types of cases.

North County San Diego Courthouses

Here is an overview of the North County San Diego court system and a list of some resources for finding legal help in your area:

North County Regional Center

The North County Regional Center is the main courthouse for North County San Diego. This court handles all criminal and civil cases for the area, including jury trials. If you need to file a lawsuit or have a hearing, this is the court that you will need to go to. They are located at 325 S. Melrose Dr., Vista, CA 92081.

The North County Regional Center has a Self-Help Center to assist you with your legal case. The center offers free workshops on a variety of legal topics, as well as access to computers and legal resources.

North County Branch Courts

The North County Branch Courts are located in Carlsbad, Oceanside, and San Marcos. These courts handle specific types of cases such as family law, small claims, traffic court, and more. To find the branch court nearest you, visit the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego website and use the Court Locations tool.

Local Legal Resources

If you need legal help but cannot afford an attorney, there are a few resources available to you in North County San Diego.

Legal Aid Society of San Diego

You can find legal assistance through community organizations. The Legal Aid Society of San Diego provides free or low-cost legal services to county residents who qualify based on their income level.

San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program

Another resource is the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, which offers free legal services to low-income residents in a variety of civil matters.

Law Library

The Law Library is a great resource for researching your legal issue. The library is open to the public and has a variety of legal resources, including books, pamphlets, and online databases.

San Diego County Bar Association

If you need help finding an attorney, you can contact the San Diego County Bar Association. The bar association offers a lawyer referral service that can help you find an attorney in your area.

Public Defender's Office

If you are facing criminal charges, you should contact the Public Defender's Office. The Public Defender's Office will provide you with an attorney at no cost if you cannot afford one.

Residents of North County San Diego can find all the legal resources they need right in their own backyard. With courthouses located throughout the region, residents have easy access to the judicial system.

Golden Boy Bail Bonds is Here to Serve

When you or a loved one get in trouble with the law, you might not have enough time or money to post bail. The best option in such a situation is to look for the best affordable bail bonds in San Diego. Finding a cheap bail bond is essential as it will secure your release or a loved one quickly before anything happens behind bars. Above all, it ensures that you or a loved one can get back to work as soon as possible.


At Golden Boy Bail Bonds, we strive to serve our clients 24/7. It is not surprising that we have been voted San Diego’s best bail bond company. We are a family-owned and a third-generation company with licensed bail agents available 24 hours throughout the year. As the premier bail bond company in San Diego, we pride ourselves on offering the best cheapest bail bonds and 100% customer satisfaction.


We understand how important it is to secure your release from jail. That is why we are situated in the heart of downtown San Diego a few yards away from the front door of the San Diego Central Jail. When you contact us, we will send a kind, honest, and professional bail bond agent to you as soon as possible. You can count on us to help secure your release from various detention facilities in San Diego, including Shula Vista Jail, San Diego Central Jail, Vista Detention Center, and more.

Bail Bond Cost in San Diego, California

When the police arrest you or a loved one on suspicion of an offense in San Diego, they will search you for drugs and weapons. From there, they will take you to one of the jail facilities and ask you to record a statement. You will also have an opportunity to post bail to secure your release from jail immediately. If you don’t have the money to deposit cash and secure your freedom, the best option is to work with a licensed bail bond company in San Diego.


The bail amount is set based on the schedule in that facility. The judge can also set a different bail amount during your bail hearing. This means that the bail amount differs from one defendant to another based on the crime and the bail schedule. If working with a bail bond company, you only need to make a non-refundable of 10% of the bond to the company. From there, the bail bond company will take responsibility for ensuring that you honor all the court hearings until your bond is exonerated.


Utilizing the services of a licensed bail bonds company is the best option since it allows you to save time and money. Besides, it increases your chances of getting out early to go back to work and focus on your defense strategies. The professional and kind agents assigned to you will also guide you during the entire process.

How to Secure Your Release From the San Diego Jail Facility with no Money

Posting bail will secure your release from jail quickly as you await your charges. The court will keep the bail money you deposit and give it back to you once your case is over. As such, you have to attend all the court proceedings to get back the money. However, you might not have money to get yourself or a loved one out of jail, especially since legal troubles are unexpected. If this happens, you have to search for the best cheapest bail bonds in San Diego. 


It is also advisable to look for a bail bond provider with various discounts and low rates. Finding affordable bail bonds in San Diego increase your chances of getting your loved one out of jail immediately. 

The Best Cheap Bail Bonds in San Diego

At Golden Boy Bail Bonds, we understand that you might not have the money to post bail for yourself or a loved one. Thus, we strive to offer the most affordable bail bonds in San Diego, California. Our professional bail bonds agent will not stop until you or a loved one gets out of jail as soon as possible.


The good thing is that our phone lines are open 24/7, every day of the year. So, contact us whenever you need to get a loved one out of jail, even if you don’t have money to post bail. We also offer a free warrant search.

Looking for Cheap Bail Bonds in San Diego, California? We are Ready to Help

Whether you need to secure your release or get a loved one out of a San Diego Jail Facility, you can count on our licensed and professional bail bonds agents to come to your rescue. We are available 24/7 every day. Contact us immediately to get cheap bail bonds in San Diego now!

How does bail work in California Laws and Regulations

Did you know that the police make more than 1.2 million arrests every year in California? Well, this means that you or someone you know might find themselves on the wrong side of the law at some point. If the police arrest you or your loved one, they will search for illegal drugs and weapons before taking you to a jail facility in your county. From there, you will be given a chance to post bail to secure your release as you await the final court verdict.

Here is a summary of California bail bond laws and regulations.

How Do California Bail Bonds Work?

A bail bond, also known as a surety bond, is posted by a licensed bail bond company to the court to promise that the defendant will show up to all the court appearances. The bail bondsman company will act as a representative of licensed surety insurance companies. After bail is posted, the defendant is released from detention, awaiting trial.

Once the court process is complete, the bond will be exonerated and a certificate of a discharged bond will be issued. On the contrary, failure to appear will lead to forfeiture. After the forfeiture, the defendant can request a dismissal or extension. If the court accepts your request the bond will be exonerated and a certificate of discharge bond will be issued.

However, the court can also make a summary judgment and initiate a civil process. After the civil process is complete, the defendant will be awarded a certificate of discharged bond and the bond will be exonerated.

California Bail Laws and Regulations

The California Department of Insurance has been responsible for regulating the bail bond business since the bail bond regulatory act established it in 1937. CDI has come up with several laws and regulations to regulate the bail bond industry. These laws and regulations include:

California Insurance Bond (CIC)

California Code of Regulations (CCR)

Penal Code(PC)

Read on to discover a summary of the California bail bond laws and regulations.

California Bail Schedules Laws and Regulations

Bail in California is set according to post bail schedules available in each jail facility. A bail schedule highlights the recommended bail amount for each offense. In California, individual counties are responsible for regulating their bail schedules.

California's bail schedule, encompassing intricate laws and regulations, establishes predetermined bail amounts for diverse charges, permitting defendants to post cash bail and attain pretrial release. Should a judge deny bail, alternatives like property bonds arise. Navigating this process often involves a bail bond agency, facilitating payment and expediting release. Attending the assigned court date is mandatory.

Comprehending these facets of the bail system is pivotal. This multifaceted process, crucial in the California legal landscape, hinges on keywords such as cash bail, bail money, bail amount, posting bail, court date, judge deny bail, property bond, pay bail, pay bail bonds, bail hearing, deny bail, bail bond agency, bail in California, and bail process.

California Bail Forfeitures Laws and Regulations

A bail forfeiture occurs when the defendant fails to show up to court without sufficient excuse. When bail forfeiture occurs, the defendant will not get the bail money back. In California, the County Counsel's office is tasked with recovering bail bond forfeiture debts. Moreover, the court can also issue a bench warrant for your arrest. Here is a breakdown of the bail collection process after forfeiture in California.

  1. The defendant fails to show up to appear in court, and the court declares a forfeiture in an open court

  2. The court clerk will then mail a notice of forfeiture to the bail bond company within 30 days after the declaration

  3. The bail bond company will have 185 days from the mailing date to file a motion seeking relief from forfeiture

  4. The court can accept the motion if the defendant appear in court or is arrested. The motion can also be accepted if the defendant is in custody outside jurisdiction or proof of permanent disability is submitted

  5. The reinstatement of bond is also a ground for relief from forfeiture

  6. If any of the above happens, the forfeiture will be vacated, and the bail will be exonerated. However, the defendant has to show up to court within 180 days if they have a temporary disability.

  7. The court clerk will then send a note of the $130 assessment to the surety company. If the company fails to pay the assessment within 30 days, the Court Counsel will send a ten-day last chance notice.

  8. If the bail bond company fails to pay the bail amount after the ten-day notice, the County Counsel can send a shutdown notice or another warning letter.

  9. If the court fails to declare a forfeiture of the bail, the hearing will continue. However, the court will lose jurisdiction over the bond if the court hearing does not continue. Likewise, the court will lose jurisdiction over the bond if the court clerk fails to send a notice of the forfeiture to the bail bond company within 30 days.

California Bail Agents Regulations

CDI licenses bail agents in California. To become a licensed bail agent, you have to meet various requirements.

Before working with any bail bond agent, make sure to find out if they are licensed to provide bail bonds in your county here.

Bail Premium Rates in California

CDI makes sure that each bail bond company in California charges fair bail premium rates. Each bail bond company must file rates with CDI. The court is responsible for determining the bond amount in California. Usually, defendants pay 10% of the total bond amount plus additional reasonable expenses.

Looking for Reliable and Cheap Bail Bonds in California? We can help

Golden Boy Bail Bonds is ready to help you secure your release or get a loved one out of jail as soon as possible. Our California bail bond agents are available 24/7 and will post bail for you and your loved one in a couple of minutes. Contact us to learn more.