Bail Services
DUI Bail Bonds
What Vehicle Code § 23152 actually prohibits, the thresholds that apply to different drivers, and how DUI bail works in Orange County.
Most DUI arrests in California are charged under Vehicle Code § 23152. It is worth knowing that the section contains seven separate prohibitions, not one — and that the alcohol threshold is not the same for every driver.
What Vehicle Code § 23152 prohibits
| § 23152(a) | Driving under the influence of any alcoholic beverage — no specific blood alcohol figure required |
|---|---|
| § 23152(b) | Driving with 0.08 percent or more alcohol in the blood, by weight |
| § 23152(c) | Driving while addicted to a drug, with an exception for those in an approved narcotic treatment programme |
| § 23152(d) | Commercial drivers: operating a commercial vehicle at 0.04 percent or more — half the standard threshold |
| § 23152(e) | Passengers for hire: 0.04 percent or more when carrying passengers for hire |
| § 23152(f) | Driving under the influence of any drug |
| § 23152(g) | Driving under the combined influence of alcohol and any drug |
How DUI bail is set
Bail comes from the county schedule adopted under Penal Code § 1269b, which the superior court judges revise annually. The schedule accounts for the seriousness of the offence and adds amounts for aggravating or enhancing factors — which is why a first arrest and an arrest with prior convictions, injury, or a very high reading are not treated the same way.
Because the schedule applies before anyone appears in front of a judge, a DUI bond can usually be posted at the custody facility without waiting for court — and that is the window most families call us in.
The DMV side is separate
A DUI arrest generally triggers a Department of Motor Vehicles administrative process that runs separately from the criminal case, with its own short deadline for requesting a hearing. It is not handled by the court, the jail, or by us. Ask a defence attorney about it immediately — deadlines here are measured in days, not weeks.
Where they are held and where the case is heard
County booking and release runs through the Intake Release Center in Santa Ana, which accepts bail 24 hours a day. Theo Lacy takes bonds only between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. All facilities are on our Orange County jails page.
The case is heard at the justice center covering the city of arrest: North (Fullerton) for the eight North Orange County cities, Central (Santa Ana), West (Westminster) or Harbor (Newport Beach). See all courthouses.
Questions families ask us
Will they be released without bail?
Sometimes, on a citation, and sometimes not — it depends on the booking, the readings, priors and local practice. We will tell you which situation you are in rather than guessing.
How long until release?
Booking has to finish first, and DUI bookings commonly involve a waiting period. The jail controls the timing, not the bail agency. Anyone promising you a precise release time is guessing.
Does a DUI arrest mean a conviction?
No. An arrest is not a conviction, and what happens to the case is a question for a defence attorney.
Where we work from
Our three offices — Anaheim, Brea and La Habra — are open 24 hours and are our only physical locations. See locations and areas we serve.
See also misdemeanor bail bonds, felony bail bonds and drug charge bail bonds. All services are listed on bail bond services, and payment plans are set out separately.
Someone in custody right now?
Call the office nearest the city of the arrest. We will locate them, confirm the bail amount, and tell you honestly what can happen tonight.