Understanding LA County Bail Schedules & Court Bond Rules

Los Angeles County has one of the largest and most complex criminal justice systems in the country. With dozens of courts and thousands of arrests each month, the county uses a bail schedule to determine standard bail amounts for each type of offense.

For defendants and their families, understanding how the LA County bail schedule works—and how court bond rules affect the release process—is essential. This guide breaks down the essentials in simple terms.

What Is the LA County Bail Schedule?

The LA County Bail Schedule is a document created by Superior Court judges that lists the preset bail amounts for every charge, from misdemeanors to serious felonies.

It allows law enforcement to set bail immediately after an arrest without waiting for a judge, helping streamline the release process.

The bail schedule considers:

• Severity of the offense
• Whether the crime involved injury or weapons
• Prior criminal history
• Enhancements (e.g., gang activity, DUI with injury, amount of drugs involved)

While the schedule provides a standard amount, judges can increase, decrease, or waive bail depending on the case.

How Bail Is Set in LA County

After an arrest, one of the following occurs:

1. Bail Is Assigned by the Schedule

Most cases receive a preset amount based on the charge.
Example:

• Standard DUI → set bail according to schedule
• Drug possession → preset bail amount applies

2. Bail Is Adjusted at the Arraignment

A judge can modify the amount based on:

• Flight risk
• Danger to the community
• Likelihood of reoffending
• Ties to the community
• Employment or family responsibilities

3. Release Without Bail (Own Recognizance / ROR)

For low-level or non-violent offenses, a judge may release the defendant with a promise to appear—no payment required.

4. Bail Denied

In very serious cases (murder, repeat violent felonies), bail may be denied entirely.

Court Bond Rules in LA County

LA County courts follow strict rules when it comes to bond posting and release.

Acceptable Forms of Bail

Courts may accept:

• Cash bail
• Surety bond from a licensed bail agent
• Property bond (requires equity, appraisals, and court approval)

Court Verification

Before bail is accepted:

• Documents are checked for accuracy
• The bond must match the exact charge and court case number
• The bond must be posted by a licensed bail agency authorized in California

Mandatory Conditions of Release

Depending on the case, a court may require:

• GPS/electronic monitoring
• DUI classes
• Drug testing
• Stay-away orders
• Surrendering firearms

These conditions must be followed as part of the release.

Common Bail Amounts in LA County

While amounts vary, here are general examples from the LA bail schedule:

• DUI (standard): $5,000–$10,000
• DUI with injury: $50,000+
• Domestic violence: $20,000–$50,000
• Burglary: $20,000–$50,000
• Felony hit & run: $50,000–$100,000
• Drug trafficking: $50,000–$250,000

Serious felonies with enhancements (weapons, injury, minors involved) can exceed $500,000 or more.

How a Bail Bond Helps in LA County

LA has some of the highest bail amounts in the U.S., making it difficult for families to pay full cash bail.

A bail bond provides a more affordable alternative:

• You pay a non-refundable 10% fee
• A licensed bail agent posts the full bond
• Release is often possible within hours
• The bail agent handles jail paperwork and court compliance

This allows defendants to return home, work on their case, and support their families while awaiting court dates.

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Need Help Navigating LA County Bail?

Understanding the LA County bail schedule and court bond rules can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Our experienced bail bond agents work daily with the Metro, Inmate Reception Center (IRC), LA County Sheriff’s Department, and all LA courthouses. We’re available 24/7 to post bail quickly and explain your options clearly.

Whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a serious felony, we’re here to help you through the process every step of the way.

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