Trusted Bail Bonds Across California

DUI Bail Bonds

If someone you care about has been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in California, time is critical — and Cali Bail Bonds is here to help you act fast. Whether it’s a first-time misdemeanor or a felony DUI involving injury or prior convictions, our experienced agents are available 24/7 to get your loved one out of jail quickly and affordably. We offer flexible payment plans, 1% down bail bonds on approved credit, and a fully digital process with no collateral required for many cases. Serving all 58 counties across California, Cali Bail Bonds makes it easy to post bail anytime, anywhere — because when freedom can’t wait, neither should you.

Serving All Counties In California

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What Is DUI?

Being arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in California is a serious offense that can lead to jail time, license suspension, and steep fines — especially if someone is injured or if it’s not your first offense. At Cali Bail Bonds, we’re here to help you understand the law and get out of jail fast if you or a loved one has been arrested for a DUI-related offense.

⚖️ California DUI Laws

In California, DUI laws are primarily governed by the California Vehicle Code, with different sections depending on the nature of the offense:

Vehicle Code § 23152(a) – It is unlawful for a person to drive under the influence of alcohol. This applies even if your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is under 0.08%, as long as you’re impaired and unable to drive safely.
Vehicle Code § 23152(b) – It is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. This is California’s “per se” DUI law, meaning impairment is presumed based on your BAC alone.
Vehicle Code § 23152(f) – Driving under the influence of any drug, including prescription medication or illegal substances, is prohibited.
Vehicle Code § 23152(g) – It’s also illegal to drive under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs.
Vehicle Code § 23153 – If a DUI results in injury to another person, the charge can be elevated to a felony DUI with injury, carrying much harsher penalties and higher bail amounts.

🍺 DUI of Alcohol

Driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher is illegal in California for adults over 21. Even if your BAC is under the legal limit, you can still be charged with DUI if an officer believes your driving was impaired. This charge falls under VC § 23152(a) and VC § 23152(b).

💊 DUI of Drugs

Under VC § 23152(f), it is illegal to drive while impaired by drugs — whether they are prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal substances like marijuana, cocaine, or methamphetamine. Unlike alcohol DUIs, there’s no BAC threshold, so the arrest is based on officer observation and blood/urine test results.

🚑 DUI with Injury

If you injure someone while driving under the influence, you can be charged under Vehicle Code § 23153, which upgrades the offense to a felony. These cases often involve higher bail, longer jail time, and more serious court consequences.

⚠️ California DUI BAC Limits

The legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit varies depending on the driver:

.08% or higher – Standard for adult drivers (21+)
.04% or higher – Commercial drivers (even in personal vehicles)
.01% or higher – Underage drivers (Zero Tolerance Law – VC § 23136)

Violating these limits can result in arrest, immediate license suspension by the DMV, and criminal prosecution.

Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, DUI arrests can happen fast — but so can your release with the help of Cali Bail Bonds. We specialize in DUI bail bonds across California and are ready 24/7 to guide you through the process.

Types of DUI in California

At Cali Bail Bonds, we provide fast, statewide bail bond services for every type of DUI offense — from first-time misdemeanors to serious felonies. Whether your loved one was arrested for a standard alcohol-related DUI or a more complex case involving drugs, injuries, or aggravating circumstances, our expert team is ready 24/7 to secure their release and protect their rights.

Here’s a complete breakdown of the most common DUI charges in California:

🟢 Misdemeanor DUI

Most DUI arrests in California are charged as misdemeanors, especially if it’s the driver’s first, second, or third offense and no one was injured. While still serious, misdemeanor DUIs typically carry lower bail amounts and less severe penalties than felony cases.

Common examples of misdemeanor DUI:

Driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher (Vehicle Code § 23152(b))
Being impaired by alcohol or drugs without causing injury (VC § 23152(a) or § 23152(f))
DUI arrest after a routine traffic stop or checkpoint

Penalties for misdemeanor DUI may include:

Up to 6 months in county jail (longer for repeat offenses)
License suspension (6 months to 3 years)
DUI education program (3, 6, 9, or 18 months)
Fines and penalty assessments (often totaling $2,000+)
Ignition interlock device (IID) installation

Even a first DUI offense can carry long-term consequences — which is why securing bail and building a strong legal defense immediately is critical.

🔺 Felony DUI

Some DUI offenses in California are charged as felonies, which carry harsher legal penalties and significantly higher bail amounts (often $50,000 – $100,000+).

You may face felony DUI charges if:

It’s your fourth DUI offense within 10 years
You were involved in a DUI crash that caused injury or death (Vehicle Code § 23153)
You have a prior felony DUI conviction on your record
You have multiple prior DUIs and someone else was harmed in the latest offense

Felony DUI penalties may include:

16 months to 4 years in state prison
Fines of up to $10,000
Formal felony probation
Long-term or permanent license suspension
Mandatory installation of an IID
Strike on your record under California’s Three Strikes Law

Felony DUI cases are considered serious public safety risks. If a loved one has been arrested on a felony DUI, call Cali Bail Bonds immediately — we work fast to post bail and minimize time spent in custody.

🚔 Underage DUI (Zero Tolerance Law)

California enforces a strict Zero Tolerance Law for drivers under 21. If a minor is caught driving with a BAC of 0.01% or higher, they can face criminal charges and DMV consequences — even if they don’t appear impaired.

Applicable laws:

Vehicle Code § 23136 – Civil violation for BAC of 0.01%+
Vehicle Code § 23140 – BAC of 0.05% to 0.07%
Vehicle Code § 23152 – BAC of 0.08% or impairment (misdemeanor DUI)

Consequences include:

Automatic license suspension for 1 year
Fines and court costs
Possible DUI school or probation
Criminal record (if charged under § 23152)

Because even a small amount of alcohol can result in arrest for underage drivers, quick bail support is essential to begin navigating the legal process and protecting future opportunities.

🚚 Commercial Driver DUI

Commercial license holders (CDL drivers) are held to a higher standard in California. If a commercial driver is caught with a BAC of 0.04% or higher, even in their personal vehicle, they can be arrested and face severe penalties.

Consequences for commercial DUI may include:

Immediate CDL disqualification
1-year license suspension (lifetime for a second offense)
Fines, jail time, and DUI school
Permanent damage to employment opportunities

For truck drivers, delivery drivers, or anyone with a CDL, a DUI arrest can cost more than freedom — it can end a career. Cali Bail Bonds can help get you out of custody fast, so you can focus on fighting the charge and preserving your livelihood.

⚠️ DUI with Aggravating Factors

Even a misdemeanor DUI can be treated much more seriously if certain aggravating factors are present. These elements increase the risk to public safety and often lead to higher bail, longer jail time, and harsher court penalties.

Common aggravating factors include:

Excessive speed (20+ mph over limit on streets or 30+ on highways)
Refusal to submit to a chemical test
Minors present in the vehicle
BAC of 0.15% or higher
Reckless driving or causing a crash
Driving on a suspended license

Aggravated DUI cases are especially stressful and often more costly. But with Cali Bail Bonds on your side, you can access fast, affordable release and get a head start on your legal defense.

Every DUI case is different — but one thing stays the same: you need fast, reliable help. Cali Bail Bonds offers 24/7 service, flexible payment plans, and years of experience handling DUI cases throughout California.

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What Is the Bail Amount for DUI In California?

Bail for DUI charges in California can vary widely depending on the type of offense, the circumstances surrounding the arrest, and the county where the arrest occurred. Whether you’re dealing with a first-time misdemeanor or a serious felony DUI, understanding how bail is set — and what factors influence it — can help you navigate the next steps.

At Cali Bail Bonds, we specialize in quick DUI bail release statewide and offer flexible payment plans to ease the financial burden.

🟢 Misdemeanor DUI Bail Amounts: $5,000 – $15,000

If it’s a first, second, or third DUI offense without injuries or aggravating circumstances, the charge is usually filed as a misdemeanor. Counties across California have set bail schedules, and most misdemeanor DUI arrests result in bail amounts ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.

Typical misdemeanor DUI scenarios include:

Driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher
DUI without an accident or injuries
No minors or aggravating factors present
No prior felony DUIs on record

In some counties, if it’s a first offense and the person qualifies, the defendant may be released on their own recognizance (OR) without paying bail — but this depends on the county’s discretion and the judge’s evaluation.

🔺 Felony DUI Bail Amounts: $25,000 – $100,000+

Felony DUIs carry significantly higher bail amounts, often starting around $25,000 and reaching $100,000 or more, depending on the severity of the case.

Felony DUI charges may apply if:

The DUI caused injury or death (Vehicle Code § 23153)
The defendant has three or more prior DUI convictions
There is a prior felony DUI on record
The case involves aggravating factors, such as high BAC or children in the vehicle

In these situations, the judge will consider the defendant’s threat to public safety and flight risk before setting a bail amount — and higher-risk cases may lead to bail being denied altogether.

🔍 Factors That Influence DUI Bail Amounts

While bail schedules offer general guidelines, judges have the discretion to raise or lower the amount based on case-specific factors. Here are the key elements that influence how much bail will be set for a DUI arrest in California:

🔁 Prior DUI Offenses

The more DUI convictions on a person’s record, the higher the perceived risk. A repeat offender may face higher bail due to concerns about public safety and their likelihood of reoffending.

Second offense: Often $10,000–$20,000+
Third offense: Typically $20,000–$50,000+
Fourth or more: Usually a felony with bail starting around $50,000+

🧪 BAC Level at the Time of Arrest

A higher Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) can lead to an increased bail amount. Most counties impose harsher penalties and bail conditions if the driver’s BAC is 0.15% or higher.

BAC between 0.08–0.14% = standard DUI
BAC 0.15%–0.19% = considered an “enhancement” and may raise bail
BAC 0.20%+ = often leads to mandatory jail time and elevated bail

🚑 Injury or Property Damage

If the DUI resulted in a crash that caused injury to another person, the charge can be elevated to felony DUI with injury — and bail can spike accordingly. Even minor injuries may lead to increased bail, especially if the victim required medical treatment.

Injury to another = often $50,000+
Major injury or death = $100,000 or more
Significant property damage may also influence bail, especially if reckless behavior is involved

❌ History of Failure to Appear

If the defendant has missed court dates in the past, the court will view them as a flight risk. This usually results in higher bail or a denial of OR release.

Factors that raise red flags:

Bench warrants or prior FTA (Failure to Appear) records
Violations of probation or parole
Unstable living situation or lack of local ties

👶 Minors Present in the Vehicle

Driving under the influence with a child under 14 in the car can result in enhanced penalties under California Vehicle Code § 23572. Judges often treat these cases more seriously, and bail may be set higher due to the increased risk to vulnerable passengers.

DUI with a child passenger is often viewed as child endangerment, which can elevate charges or add enhancements
Bail may increase by $5,000–$25,000, depending on other case details

⚖️ Facing High DUI Bail? We Can Help.

At Cali Bail Bonds, we know how overwhelming a DUI arrest can be — especially when facing thousands of dollars in bail. Our licensed agents are available 24/7 to:

Locate the jail and booking information
Confirm the exact bail amount
Explain your payment options
Get your loved one out of jail — fast

We offer 1% down bail bonds (on approved credit), no collateral in many cases, and flexible payment plans designed to get you through this without added financial stress.

Steps

How The Bail Process Works

Getting arrested for DUI can be a confusing and stressful experience — especially if it happens late at night, during a traffic stop, or after an unexpected accident. At Cali Bail Bonds, we make the DUI bail process simple, fast, and accessible, no matter where in California the arrest took place. We’re here 24/7 to get your loved one out of jail and back home safely.

01.

Arrest & Booking

After a DUI arrest, the defendant is taken to jail, fingerprinted, photographed, and asked to submit to a chemical test. Booking usually takes 1 to 6 hours depending on the jail’s workload.

Bail Set by Judge

Bail is typically set by the county’s standard schedule, but a judge may increase it for cases involving injury, property damage, or prior offenses. Misdemeanor DUI bail ranges from $5,000–$15,000; felony DUI can reach $100,000 or more.

03.

Contact Cali Bail Bonds

Call us anytime at 888-365-3113 or use our free inmate search tool. We’ll gather basic info and immediately start the bail bond process — no legal experience required.

04.

Sign & Pay Online

We send you secure digital forms that can be signed from your phone or computer. We offer 1% down, no collateral for many cases, and flexible payment options to fit your budget.

05.

We Post Bail

Once paperwork and payment are complete, our agent rushes to the jail to post the bond. Most DUI releases happen within 1 to 4 hours, depending on the facility.

06.

Release from Jail

The defendant is released with a court date and bail conditions. We’ll send reminders and be available to answer questions throughout the process.

07.

Attend Court

Court attendance is mandatory. Missing a hearing could result in a bench warrant, bail forfeiture, or new charges — but we’re here to help you stay on track.

Payment Plan Options

At Cali Bail Bonds, we understand that coming up with the full cost of bail all at once can feel impossible — especially during an emergency. That’s why we offer flexible, affordable payment options designed to help you get your loved one out of jail quickly, without added financial stress. Whether you’re dealing with a misdemeanor DUI or a felony charge, we’ll work with your budget to make bail possible.

🔟 10% Standard Bail Bonds

In California, the legal bail bond premium is 10% of the total bail amount. This is a non-refundable fee that covers our services to secure the defendant’s release.
📌 Example: If bail is $20,000, the standard premium is $2,000.

💸 1% Down Bail Bonds (On Approved Credit)

Qualified clients may start with as little as 1% down of the total bail amount. The remaining balance can be paid over time with zero interest.
✅ Great option if you can’t afford the full 10% upfront.

📆 Flexible Payment Plans

We offer customized payment plans that can be weekly or monthly — tailored to your financial situation. Most plans range from 3 to 12 months, with no hidden fees, no credit checks in many cases, and fast approval.

🔐 No Collateral Bail Bonds (For Qualified Clients)

In many DUI cases, no collateral is required. If the co-signer has a steady income, decent credit, or a solid history of meeting financial obligations, we can often waive collateral entirely.
🚫 No need to risk your home, car, or other assets.

✅ Accepted Payment Methods

We make it easy and secure to pay, no matter your preference. We accept:

Credit & debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover)
Zelle
Bank transfers
Cash (in person at select locations)
Online payments (via desktop or mobile)

📞 Need Help Choosing the Right Plan?

Our friendly agents are available 24/7 to walk you through your options, answer questions, and help you get started within minutes.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to post bail for a DUI in California?

Yes. In most cases, posting bail is required to be released from jail after a DUI arrest. The amount depends on whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony and other case details like prior offenses or injuries involved.

How much is bail for a DUI in California?

Bail for a misdemeanor DUI typically ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, while felony DUI bail can range from $25,000 to $100,000+ depending on severity and circumstances.

What happens if I can’t afford the full 10% bail bond fee?

We offer 1% down bail bonds (on approved credit) and flexible payment plans to make bail more affordable. You may not need collateral in many DUI cases.

How long does it take to get someone out of jail after a DUI arrest?

Most DUI defendants are released within 1 to 4 hours after bail is posted, depending on the jail’s processing time and location.

Is DUI in California a felony or misdemeanor?

It depends. First, second, and third DUIs are usually misdemeanors. A DUI becomes a felony if it involves injury, death, or is a fourth offense within 10 years.

Can you bail someone out of jail at night or on weekends?

Yes. Cali Bail Bonds is open 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays. We can post bail anytime, anywhere in California.

What if the person arrested for DUI refuses a chemical test?

Refusing a breath or blood test can result in enhanced penalties and may raise the bail amount. It also leads to an automatic driver’s license suspension.

Can you bail someone out of jail remotely?

Yes. We offer digital bail bonds, so you can complete all paperwork and payments online from your phone or computer — no office visit required.

What if the DUI caused an accident or injury?

A DUI that results in injury or death is charged under Vehicle Code § 23153 and treated as a felony. Bail is usually much higher and can exceed $100,000.

Will the DUI show up on a background check?

Yes. A DUI arrest and conviction will appear on criminal background checks unless expunged. This can affect employment, insurance, and licensing