You can be taken to jail after an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) in California. Once you are arrested, you will have the opportunity to pay bail to the court system. Drivers who make a bail payment are allowed to leave the jail and remain free until their trial.
This process can be disrupted if you or your loved one cannot make bail for a DUI arrest in California. Find out how to handle this situation with the Simmrin Law Group. Call (310) 896-2723 to get answers to questions about bail and to prepare a defense to DUI charges.
You May Stay in Jail If You Cannot Make Bail for a DUI
Bail money is supposed to ensure that you will not attempt to evade your criminal trial. This is because, after your trial:
- Your money will be returned if you attend all legal engagements
- Your money will be kept if you don’t attend all legal engagements
Individuals who cannot make bail for a DUI are required to stay in jail until their trial. You have the right to a speedy trial in the United States, but you will still likely end up waiting around a month in jail if you cannot make bail.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
The Court Sets Bail Levels in DUI Cases in California
The court system in California will tell you how much bail you have to pay before you will be released from jail. Cities around California can set their own bail levels for DUI charges. Generally, bail for a DUI case will be several thousand dollars. In larger cities, like Los Angeles, bail for a DUI case may cost more than $25,000 in some situations.
Note that many drivers turn to bail bondsmen to cover a bail payment, so they do not have to pay the entire amount. Bail bondsmen generally charge you a percentage of your total bail payment and they cover the rest. Generally, this fee will be 10% of your bail.
You Can Be Denied Bail in Some Situations in California
Some drivers in California cannot afford to pay their bail after a DUI arrest. The court system can also deny bail to a driver. Generally, bail will only be denied if you have:
- Multiple previous charges on your record
- A prior conviction for a violent crime
- A history of fleeing court cases
Note that you can challenge the court system if you are denied bail. A criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles may be able to help you secure a reasonable bail payment, so you can remain free until your criminal trial. Call (310) 896-2723 to find out more.
You Can Dispute Your Assigned Bail in California
The bail level determined by the court after your DUI arrest is not set in stone. It can be disputed if your DUI lawyer requests a bail hearing. At your bail hearing, a legal professional may request that the court:
- Lower your bail because it is too high for you to pay
- Offer you bail if you were initially denied
Additionally, your lawyer may request that you be released on your own recognizance in some situations. Drivers released on their own recognizance (OR) do not have to pay any bail. However, if you receive an OR release, you will have to appear at all hearings related to your case. The judge may also set forth other terms for an OR release that you have to follow.
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Get Help Handling High Bail Payments for a DUI
The Simmrin Law Group can help if you or a loved one cannot make bail for a DUI arrest in California. We may be able to request a bail hearing for you right now. If you cannot pay bail, you can end up waiting in jail until:
- Your arraignment hearing, which must occur within two business days of your arrest
- Your trial date, which must be set within 30 days of your arraignment
Allow us to take steps to get your bail reduced or even set aside right now.
Speak to a Lawyer About Bail for a DUI Arrest in California
You can get help if you cannot make bail for a DUI arrest in California. Speak to the professionals at the Simmrin Law Group right now by calling (310) 896-2723 or filling out our online contact form. Our DUI lawyers in Los Angeles can help you handle a bail hearing quickly.
We’re also ready to build a defense to your DUI charges, starting with a FREE consultation.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form