Bail bond pricing in California is regulated by state law. Here is the exact rate, how payment plans work, and what you should know about any company claiming to charge less.
In California, the bail bond premium is set and regulated by the Department of Insurance at 10 percent of the total bail amount set by the court. This rate applies to all licensed bail bond companies statewide. It is not negotiable. It does not vary between companies. Any agent advertising a rate lower than 8 percent for a standard surety bond is operating outside the law.
The premium is determined by the court-ordered bail , not by the bail company. On a $20,000 bail, the premium is $2,000. On a $75,000 bail, it is $7,500. This fee is earned by the agent for assuming financial and legal responsibility for the defendant and is non-refundable when the case concludes, regardless of outcome.
You can verify any agent's license at the California Department of Insurance website. We provide our license number immediately upon request.
Premium = $1,000
Premium = $2,500
Premium = $5,000
Premium = $10,000
While the 10 percent rate is fixed by law, how it is paid can be flexible. We accept a down payment upfront with the balance paid in monthly installments for qualified co-signers. Payment plans available is run. We evaluate the full situation , the bond amount, your relationship to the defendant, and your ability to make consistent payments.
There are no hidden fees on top of the premium. No processing fees, no administrative charges, no surprise add-ons. The 10 percent premium is the total cost. See our cosigner guide for co-signing obligations and our page on how bail bonds work for the full process.
The Stanislaus County bail schedule sets bail by charge type. While individual judges can adjust these amounts at arraignment, the schedule gives a reliable starting point for calculating the premium before you even speak with a judge. Here are typical ranges for common charge categories in Stanislaus County.
Misdemeanor charges , DUI first offense, simple possession, petty theft , typically carry bail in the range of a few thousand dollars, making the premium a few hundred dollars. Felony charges , assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, drug sales , range from $25,000 to $100,000 or more, putting the premium between $2,500 and $10,000. For the most serious charges, bail can be set at $500,000 or higher at arraignment, with premiums in the $50,000 range.
Payment plans make even large premiums manageable. We work with qualified co-signers on installment arrangements that allow a family to get their loved one released immediately while spreading the premium over several months. The down payment required depends on the bond size and the overall financial picture , there is no fixed down payment amount we require across the board.
Bail: $1,000–$10,000. Premium: $100–$1,000.
Bail: $25,000–$100,000. Premium: $2,500–$10,000.
Bail: $100,000–$500,000+. Premium varies. Payment plans available.
Judge may reduce bail based on community ties, employment, and defense motion.
At arraignment, a defense attorney can argue for reduced bail based on community ties, employment history, family responsibilities, no prior record, and the specific circumstances of the alleged offense. Being out on bail before arraignment allows the defendant to meet with their attorney and prepare for this hearing. Call us the moment bail is set at any amount.
California law sets the minimum at 8 percent. Any agent advertising less than 8 percent for a standard surety bond is breaking the law. Most agents charge exactly 10 percent as required.
No. The premium is earned by the agent for assuming financial risk and is not returned when the case concludes, regardless of outcome.
With us, no. The 10 percent premium is the total cost. We do not charge processing fees or administrative fees on top of the premium.
Collateral requirements vary by bond size and risk. Some bonds require only a co-signer signature. Higher amounts may require property. We discuss this on the first call.
Still have questions? A licensed agent is standing by.
209-284-3212You do not need all of this to call. Call anyway.