Are the bail amounts different throughout California or are they all the same for the same crime?

All bail amounts come with an assumptive bail rate, which is kind of like a recommended starting rate for the bail. However, each judge and each jurisdiction in California treats bail differently. As such, no two localities will be the same when it comes to granting bail, just as no two judges will be the same.

In terms of the assumptive bail rate schedule, these are the rates that it is recommended that a judge start the bail at. For example, if a person is arrested and booked for perjury, the assumptive bail rate is $25,000. Perjury is a penal code violation 118 and is a felony offense. Different judge, however, regard perjury differently. As such, which one judge may grant bail at $25,000, another judge might find reason to grant the bail at $30,000.

When determining the amount of bail, the judge will take the circumstances of the case into consideration. For example, if a defendant is arrested for perjury, the judge might look at whether or not the individual was aggressive in court or said slanderous things. If the individual committed or possibly committed other penal code violations or displayed a hostile attitude, then it is likely that the judge will set the bail at a higher rate than if the defendant was peaceful and simple in his perjury.

The judge will alo look at the history of the defendant. If the defendant has a particularly moving story for why he or she committed a crime, then chances are good that the judge will allow bail to be set at a lower rate, or may even allow the defendant to be released on his own recognizance. For example, if a young child was arrested for stealing food for his starving family, then chances are good that the judge would not require the boy or the family to pay bail, even though burglary is a violation of penal code 459, which is a felony offense and comes with a $30,000 bond.

As you can see, the bail amounts differ throughout California based on the schedules and attitudes of each locality. The bail amounts also vary greatly according to the style of each judge as well as the particulars of a case.

In order to increase your chances of getting a lower bail rate, it is important to consult with your attorney (the court will assign one to you) and to behave with all arresting officers and court representatives.