The cost of a DUI can quickly add up following an arrest. While you may be anticipating the cost of legal fees, posting bail is the first expense you are likely to face, and you may be asking how much the bond is for a DUI in LA.
Bail can easily range from $5,000 to $25,000, and a bond for a DUI in LA is likely to cost you 10% of the total bail. A Los Angeles DUI lawyer can help you identify and negotiate a bond for your specific situation.
An Overview of Bail Bonds
When an individual has been arrested for a DUI, they may be released from jail until their court appearance with the aid of bail bonds. When a bail bond is posted, it is used to ensure that the individual will appear for any court dates that are set for hearings. Unlike bail, which an individual must pay themselves, a bail bond company pays a bail bond.
It is important to note that bail bonds are typically what happens if you cannot make bail for a DUI in California. In this instance, you can secure a bail bond loan to help you get out of jail until the date of your hearing. What you are required to pay for the bond fee is generally 10% of the total amount of bail.
In the event you cannot afford bail or a bail bond, you must remain in jail until the date of your hearing. However, you have the option to seek a bail hearing to challenge the initial decision regarding your bail. This is best done with the aid and representation of a lawyer.
Bail Bond Process in California
After an arrest, it is normal to wonder how bail bonds work in California and what to expect from the bail process. The process may feel overwhelming on top of everything else you are facing. While bail is the money you pay to get out of jail after your arrest, the process can be anything but simple.
In a best-case scenario, you could simply be released upon a promise to appear at your court dates without having to pay bail. In most cases, though, bail must be paid and can be issued beyond the set minimum amount or be denied altogether. When posting bail, payments must be made to the court clerk.
The purpose of paying for a bail bond is to communicate to the courts that you will be at any and all court dates set for your case. If you do not appear at your court date, you could face additional misdemeanor or felony charges in addition to your DUI charge. Similarly, if you fail to pay your bondsman, they are within their right to sue you.
The Cost of DUI Bail Bonds in California
If you were charged with a DUI, you could easily face significant bail charges. When determining how much bail is for a DUI in California, it is important to know that the minimum starting amount for bail for a first-time misdemeanor offense is $5,000 and could go as high as $25,000 or more. Factors that could affect the amount of bail you may be required to pay include:
- Number of DUI charges
- Level of Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
- Whether or not there were injuries
- Misdemeanor offense
- Felony offense
- Aggravating factors
Bail bond for a DUI in LA may be paid in cash or as a surety or property bond. In some instances, a person may be released on their own recognizance and promise to appear, which is typically used for minimal offenses.
Regardless of whether or not you can pay your bail, you should contact a DUI attorney immediately to provide counsel, help you navigate the process, and provide you with representation from the outset for a better outcome.
What Happens After Bail is Posted
After bail has been posted, you will be released until your court hearing, and in some cases, restrictions or conditions may be applied to your release. Your lawyer will also be able to answer your questions about how you get bail money back after a California DUI. As this can be affected by the type of bond payment and other variables, seek the counsel of your lawyer.
How a Los Angeles DUI Lawyer Can Help
When you are trying to navigate how much a bond for a DUI in LA will cost you, it is important to talk to a DUI lawyer so you thoroughly understand what your options are and what type of bail might be best for your situation. If you retain a lawyer immediately, your lawyer can also negotiate bail for you. They can fight to get your bail reduced, get you released without bail, or even appeal a bail decision.
A lawyer understands that bail for a DUI can be very expensive and is likely difficult to pay. With their extensive experience negotiating with courts and criminal justice system personnel, a lawyer can help you get the resources you need to post bail, as well as get you a better outcome to mitigate the impact and expense you will have to face. They can also help you identify a bail bond company that suits your needs and negotiate the terms.
When you work with a lawyer, they will not only assist you with bail but will also advocate for you during every phase of your case. They will review your case and build a strong defense to get your charges reduced or dropped. They will also ensure all paperwork and payments are submitted correctly and on time.
Los Angeles DUI Attorney Negotiates the Terms of Your Bail
When you need to hire a lawyer to represent you after a DUI, a Los Angeles DUI attorney can protect your rights and freedoms while mitigating the impact it will have on your life.
They will also advise you on what your bail options are, how to proceed, and we can negotiate the cost of a bond for a DUI in LA on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and rest easy knowing you have an ally in this fight.
