Bail Services
Bail Bond Services in Orange County
What we post bail for, how California bail actually works, and what families should expect — explained without jargon.
We post bail for most bailable offences across Orange County and the neighbouring Los Angeles County communities. This page explains how bail is set in California, then points you to the specific charge you are dealing with.
How bail is set in California
Two things decide the number you are quoted, and they work in a specific order.
1. The county bail schedule
Under Penal Code § 1269b, the superior court judges in each county must prepare, adopt and annually revise a uniform countywide schedule of bail covering all bailable felony, misdemeanor and infraction offences. The schedule accounts for the seriousness of the offence and adds amounts for aggravating or enhancing factors.
That schedule is what applies before a person has appeared in front of a judge — which is the window most families are calling us in.
2. Who can accept the bail
The same section authorises jail officers in charge of the facility, sheriff’s or police officers assigned to the jail, superior court clerks, and designated department employees to approve and accept bail and issue a release order.
In practice that means bail is posted at the custody facility, not at a courthouse and not at our office.
The charges we handle
Domestic violence
Penal Code § 273.5 and related charges. The most procedurally complicated bail situation families encounter, because of protective orders and the § 1270.1 hearing requirement.
DUI
Vehicle Code § 23152 in all its forms — alcohol, drugs, combined, and the lower thresholds that apply to commercial and rideshare drivers.
Felony charges
Higher bail amounts, and more situations where a hearing is required before bail can be changed.
Misdemeanor charges
Lower bail, faster release, and the “wobbler” offences that can be charged either way.
Drug charges
Simple possession is treated very differently from possession for sale. The distinction changes the bail amount substantially.
Warrants
Bench warrants issued after a missed court date work differently from an arrest warrant. Penal Code § 978.5 sets out exactly when one can issue.
Worried about cost? See bail bond payment plans and payment options. Not sure which office to call? See locations.
What happens after an arrest
- Booking. Fingerprints, photograph, property inventory, records check. Nobody can be bailed out until booking finishes, and how long it takes depends on how busy the facility is.
- Bail is set from the county schedule, unless the charge is one that requires a hearing first.
- The bond is posted at the facility holding the person. In Orange County the Intake Release Center accepts bail 24 hours a day; Theo Lacy only between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
- Release, on the jail’s timetable rather than ours.
- First court appearance at the justice center covering the city of arrest — see Orange County courthouses.
Where the case will be heard
Which courthouse depends entirely on where the arrest happened. The eight cities of North Orange County go to the North Justice Center in Fullerton. Others go to Central in Santa Ana, West in Westminster, or Harbor in Newport Beach.
Where we work from
Our three offices — Anaheim, Brea and La Habra — are open 24 hours and are our only physical locations. Addresses are on our locations page; the communities we cover are on areas we serve.
For the county-wide overview start at Orange County bail bonds.
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.