As a criminal defense lawyer in San Diego, I’ve seen firsthand how confusing and overwhelming the legal system can be—especially when you or a loved one is suddenly facing an arrest. Navigating the bail process is one of the first major hurdles for defendants and their families, and understanding how it works can make a huge difference during this difficult time. I’m here to break down the steps involved in San Diego’s bail system, explain how bail is determined, and share insights on how defendants can secure their release.
Bail is essentially a financial arrangement that allows a person accused of a crime to be released from custody while awaiting their court dates. It’s a promise backed by money or a bond, ensuring that the defendant returns for all required hearings. If the defendant follows all court instructions, the bail money is refunded. If not, it’s forfeited, and they face more legal trouble.
Bail is crucial because it gives defendants the opportunity to go home, return to work, and prepare for trial without the burden of being locked up. I’ve seen countless cases where being able to stay out of custody helped my clients and their families stay strong and organized during a challenging time.
When someone is arrested in San Diego, they are taken to jail, where they are “booked.” This process involves documenting their personal information, taking their fingerprints and photographs, and recording the charges they face. After the booking process, the defendant is either held in custody until they can post bail or released without bail if the situation allows.
In cases where bail is required, it’s important to act quickly to secure release. A speedy response can make all the difference, both for the defendant’s peace of mind and their ability to prepare an effective defense.
In San Diego, a bail schedule is often used to determine the amount required for release. This schedule lists standard bail amounts for different crimes, offering a starting point for judges. For example, more serious crimes like violent felonies will carry a higher bail amount, while minor misdemeanors will have lower amounts.
The bail amount set by a judge isn’t random—it’s influenced by several factors. These include:
As your defense attorney, one of my first tasks is to argue for a reasonable bail amount based on the circumstances. This could involve showing the judge that you have strong ties to the community or that you aren’t a flight risk.
Cash bail involves paying the full bail amount in cash to the court. This money is held by the court until the case is resolved, at which point it’s returned if the defendant follows all court orders. For many, this is the quickest way to secure release, but it requires access to a significant amount of cash upfront.
Since most people don’t have thousands of dollars on hand to pay cash bail, many turn to a bail bondsman. In this arrangement, the bondsman pays the bail for you, but in return, you pay a non-refundable fee (usually 10% of the total bail). This is a common option because it’s more affordable in the short term, but remember that the fee is never refunded, even if you meet all court requirements.
In some cases, the judge may allow a defendant to be released on their “own recognizance” (OR). This means you are released without having to pay bail, based on your promise to return to court and follow all legal procedures. OR release is typically reserved for low-risk defendants with no prior record or those facing minor charges.
There are several ways to post bail depending on your financial situation:
Each option has its own risks and benefits, and I always advise clients to fully understand these before making a decision.
When you hire a bail bondsman, you’ll pay a percentage of the bail amount—usually 10%—as a non-refundable fee. For example, if bail is set at $50,000, you would pay the bondsman $5,000. The bondsman then posts the full bail amount to the court, ensuring your release. It’s important to note that the bondsman’s fee is non-refundable, even if you follow all court orders.
While a bail bondsman can help secure your release, there are risks. If the defendant fails to appear in court, the bondsman is responsible for paying the full bail amount. This can lead to aggressive efforts to locate the defendant, including the hiring of a bounty hunter.
If the bail amount is too high, we can request a bail reduction hearing. In these cases, I present arguments to the judge that the bail amount is unnecessarily high based on your financial circumstances or the nature of the charges. A lower bail amount can be more manageable for you and your family.
In some situations, I may explore alternatives to bail, such as pretrial release programs. These programs allow you to be released under certain conditions, such as regular check-ins with a pretrial officer, without paying a large sum of money upfront.
Failing to appear in court after being released on bail leads to serious consequences. A bench warrant is issued for your arrest, meaning law enforcement will actively search for you. It can also lead to the forfeiture of any bail money posted.
If you fail to show up for court, any bail posted—whether in cash or through a bondsman—is forfeited. This can leave you and your family in a difficult financial position and may even lead to more charges being filed.
The time it takes to be released on bail can vary depending on the specific circumstances, such as how busy the jail is or whether you’re using a bondsman. In most cases, defendants can be released within a few hours after posting bail.
After your release, your focus should be on preparing for your defense. This is where I come in—ensuring you have the time and resources needed to build the best possible case. Being out on bail allows us to meet regularly, gather evidence, and create a strategy that gives you the best chance at a favorable outcome.
The San Diego bail system may seem complex, but with the right guidance, you can navigate it effectively. As your defense attorney, my goal is to make sure you understand your options and help you make the best choices for your case. Bail is just one step in the process, and with my experience, we’ll move forward together to fight for your rights.
As one of San Diego’s top criminal defense attorneys, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Call us now to schedule a consultation. We offer 24-hour assistance to get you the help you need, whenever you need it.
Call today: (619) 398-2500 or contact us online.