While San Clemente is known for its peaceful beachside atmosphere, arrests still happen — especially for a handful of repeat offenses. At Cali Bail Bonds, we’ve helped numerous families in the area post bail for these common charges. Below are the top five offenses we regularly see in San Clemente, including what they mean, typical bail amounts, and helpful tips to secure release quickly.
PC 273.5 – Domestic Violence
California Penal Code 273.5 makes it a crime to intentionally inflict physical injury on a spouse, former partner, cohabitant, or significant other. Domestic violence is one of the most serious and frequently charged offenses in San Clemente, often leading to immediate arrest — regardless of whether the victim presses charges.
⚖️ Charge Type: Typically a felony
💵 Bail Range: $25,000–$50,000+
📝 Common Situations: Domestic arguments escalating into physical contact, visible injuries, reports from neighbors or bystanders
💡 Bail Tip: We offer 1% bail bonds and no collateral options for qualified individuals, especially those with stable income or no criminal history.
VC 23152 – Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Under Vehicle Code 23152, it’s illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. DUI arrests in San Clemente often happen near I-5, during late-night patrols, or at DUI checkpoints near beach areas.
⚖️ Charge Type: Misdemeanor for first offense; felony if injury or multiple priors
💵 Bail Range: $5,000–$15,000
🚓 Common Situations: High BAC levels, refusing a chemical test, field sobriety test failure, impaired driving
📲 Bail Tip: Most DUI clients are eligible for fast, same-day release using our online sign-and-pay system.
HS 11350(a) – Drug Possession
Health & Safety Code 11350(a) criminalizes the possession of controlled substances such as heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, or prescription meds without a valid prescription. While Prop 47 reclassified many of these charges as misdemeanors, they still carry serious consequences.
⚖️ Charge Type: Misdemeanor (unless intent to sell is suspected)
💵 Bail Range: $2,500–$10,000
💊 Common Substances: Oxycodone, fentanyl, Xanax, hydrocodone, Adderall
✅ Bail Tip: For drug possession, we can usually post bail quickly with no collateral required — even late at night or on weekends.
PC 459 – Burglary
Penal Code 459 defines burglary as entering any structure with the intent to commit theft or another felony. In San Clemente, this can include break-ins at homes, beach rental properties, or parked vehicles near popular surf spots.
⚖️ Charge Type:
First-degree burglary (residential): Felony
Second-degree burglary (commercial/auto): Felony or misdemeanor (wobbler)
💵 Bail Range: $20,000–$50,000+
🏠 Common Situations: Breaking into homes, garages, or vehicles with intent to steal
💡 Bail Tip: We offer flexible payment plans for higher bail amounts and can act quickly to reduce time spent in jail.
PC 484/488 – Petty Theft
California Penal Code 484/488 refers to the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. Petty theft is one of the most common charges in San Clemente, especially from retail stores, beach bags, or unlocked cars.
⚖️ Charge Type: Misdemeanor
💵 Bail Range: $1,000–$5,000
🛍️ Common Situations: Shoplifting, taking unattended personal items, disputes over borrowed property
📲 Bail Tip: For petty theft charges, we can handle the entire bail process online — no office visit required.
Need help posting bail for any of these charges?
Call Cali Bail Bonds 24/7 or use our Free Inmate Search Tool — our experienced team is ready to assist you at any jail in Orange County.