Being arrested is stressful enough but realizing you can’t afford bail can make the situation even worse. In California, bail amounts can be high depending on the charges, leaving many people unsure of their options. If you or a loved one are in this situation, knowing what happens next and what help is available can make a big difference. Ajua Bail Bonds will cover what happens if you can’t afford bail and what to do next.
How Bail Works in California
After an arrest, a judge or the county’s bail schedule determines the bail amount based on the type of charge, prior criminal history, and other factors. Bail is essentially a financial promise to the court that the defendant will return for all scheduled hearings. Bail amounts can range from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of dollars which is far more than most people can pay out-of-pocket. If you can’t pay bail in full, here are your options:
Stay in Custody
If you do not pay bail, you stay in custody until your court date. This can mean days, weeks, or even months behind bars while your case moves through the system. But staying in jail isn’t your only option. Here is what you can do:
Use a Bail Bond
This is the most common solution. In California, a licensed bail bondsman posts bail on your behalf.
• You typically pay 10% of the total bail amount.
• The bail bondsman guarantees the full amount to the court.
• In many cases, payment plans are available to make it more affordable.
This option allows you or your loved one to be released quickly without paying the full bail upfront.
Request a Bail Reduction Hearing
If the bail amount is unreasonably high, your attorney can request a bail reduction hearing. At this hearing, the judge may consider factors like:
• Employment status
• Community ties
• Lack of prior criminal history
If successful, your bail could be lowered to an amount you can afford or you could even be released on your own recognizance where no bail is required.
Seek Release on Own Recognizance
For less serious charges or first-time offenses, the court may allow you to be released on your own recognizance meaning no bail is paid, but you must promise to return for all court dates. This option depends on the judge’s discretion.
Explore Community or Pretrial Programs
Some California counties have pretrial release programs or alternatives for defendants who do not pose a flight risk or danger to the public. These may include supervised release, check-ins, or other conditions instead of cash bail.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Every day spent in jail makes it harder to prepare your defense, keep your job, and care for your family. As soon as bail is set, it’s crucial to explore your options, especially contacting a licensed California bail bondsman who can guide you through the process and post bail fast.
Bail Bond Services in Clovis, Reedley, Sanger, Selma, Atwater, Los Banos, Merced, Visalia, Porterville, Tulare, Hanford, Corcoran, Lemoore & Greater Fresno, CA
If you can’t afford bail in California, you are not out of options. Working with an experienced bail bondsman and attorney can help you navigate the system and secure release as quickly and affordably as possible. For bail bond services, contact Ajua Bail Bonds today.
