CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Los Angeles DUI Bail

Understanding Bail and Bail Schedules in California for DUI Offenses

When an individual is arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in California, they will face an arraignment hearing where the prosecutor may request bail. Bail is a set fee that a defendant must pay to be released from jail before their court case. If you or someone you know has been arrested for DUI in California, understanding the bail schedule and how to post bail is crucial. In this article, we will discuss California’s bail system, the bail schedules for DUI offenses in Los Angeles County, and the conditions of release that may be imposed by the court.

Bail Basics in California

Bail is an amount of money that a defendant must pay to be released from jail before their trial. The purpose of bail is to ensure that the defendant appears in court for their proceedings. If the defendant completes all their court appearances, the bail money will be returned to them. However, if the defendant fails to show up to any court appearances, they forfeit their bail money, and a warrant may be issued for their arrest.

Bail for First-Time Offenders

First-time offenders in California are typically released on their own recognizance, which means they do not have to pay bail as long as they agree in writing to appear on their future court dates. If an individual is arrested for DUI, they are typically taken to jail and released the next day without being required to pay bail.

Bail for Other Offenders

In some cases, an individual may be held in custody and required to post bail before they can be released. This usually happens for offenders who are involved in a DUI-related hit-and-run, felony DUI, or a fatal DUI accident. The bail amount for DUI offenses is set by the judge and typically follows the recommended bail schedule for the county.

Los Angeles County Bail Schedule for DUI Offenses

The Los Angeles County bail schedule recommends the following bail amounts for DUI offenses:

First-Time Offenders: $5,000 (most individuals will be released without having to pay this amount)
Prior Offenders: $15,000
Multi-Offenders: $25,000
Traffic Collision with BAC of .15 or Higher: Additional $10,000
Refused Chemical Testing: Additional $10,000
Traffic Collision with BAC of .15 or Higher or Refused Chemical Testing: Additional $25,000
DUI with Injury: Additional $20,000 for first-time offenders and $50,000 for prior offenders. If the defendant’s BAC was .15 or higher, an additional $10,000 is recommended.

Posting Bail for DUI Offenses

If an individual is required to post bail, they must supply the money to the state. Most individuals use a bail bonds agency to post bail. The agency puts up the full amount of money required for bail, and the defendant pays them about 8 to 10 percent of the total amount. If the defendant cannot post bail, they will remain in custody until their trial.

Conditions of Release

If the defendant posts bail, the court may impose conditions of release. These conditions can include not leaving the state of California, attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, wearing an alcohol monitoring device, or installing an ignition interlock device on their car. These conditions are meant to ensure the safety of the defendant and the public while their case is pending. Your Los Angeles DUI attorney can help you understand what conditions you may be required to follow if you post bail.

Conclusion

If you are facing a DUI charge in California, understanding the bail system and bail schedules is crucial. Most first-time offenders will be released on their own recognizance, but others may be required to post bail. Knowing the recommended bail schedule for your county can help you prepare for the financial obligations of posting bail. If you need assistance with DUI charges, contact the Todd Spodek Law Group to speak with an experienced DUI defense attorney.