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In this article, the team at 24 Hour Online Bail Bonds wants to help you better understand domestic violence charges. Specifically, we’ve put together details to show you the difference between self-defense and domestic violence in the State of California, as well as information to reveal who can lawfully claim domestic violence.

You need to know that our skilled and professional team is not here to judge or criticize you—but the complete opposite. We fully understand how difficult this time can be for you and your family. We only want to assist you in moving on with your life.

As such, we've also included details regarding the bail process, should you need or want aid in getting out of jail. At any time, please don't hesitate to reach out and let us know what we can do for you. Remember, you are not alone.

Bail Bonds for Self-Defense in California

There are four different elements of self-defense you may want to familiarize yourself with: an unprovoked attack, which threatens imminent injury or death, and an objectively reasonable degree of force, used in response to an objectively reasonable fear of injury or death.

Simply put, in California, a person is generally believed to have acted in self-defense if he or she reasonably thought they were in imminent danger, suffering great bodily injury, or at risk of being killed. Further, the immediate use of deadly force was required to protect themselves against the presented danger.

Domestic Violence in California

California Penal Code 13700(b) states that “domestic violence’ means abuse against an adult or a minor who is a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, former cohabitant, or person with whom the suspect has had a child or is having or has had a dating or engagement relationship.

There are myriad types of abuse that qualify as “domestic abuse,” including the following: incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behavior—such as sexual violence—as well as physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, and economic abuse.

If you are concerned about domestic violence and wish to get a restraining order for your safety, you will have to show proof of abuse. This “proof” can be details of your own story, hospital records, doctor’s records, showing injuries, harassing/threatening text messages, or a statement from a witness who has seen the abuse first-hand.

If you are arrested, charged with domestic violence, and later found guilty, the statute of limitations is five years (an increase from the previous three years). Whether charged as a felony or misdemeanor, the prosecution can bring criminal charges against you up to five years following the crime.

Who Can Claim Domestic Violence?

In California, the law states that domestic violence is abuse against an intimate partner. Depending on the circumstances, an intimate partner can be a current or former spouse, registered domestic partner, fiancé, or a live-in romantic partner. For a longer, full list of people who can rightfully be considered victims of domestic violence, we recommend viewing the California Family Code. You can also contact the agents at 24 Hour Online Bail Bonds; we will help assess your specific situation.

Bail Bonds for Domestic Violence Charges

We offer bail bonds for domestic violence charges. For cases involving domestic violence, we provide fast, discreet, confidential services. We have experience working with cases involving domestic violence, corporal injury of a spouse, domestic abuse, spousal abuse, PC 273.5, and restraining order violations.

In California, domestic disputes are common. The majority of the time police are called to investigate a domestic dispute, someone will be arrested and taken to jail—even if it’s just an argument without any sort of physical contact.

Bail for domestic violence cases throughout California is often $10,000 for a misdemeanor offense (Penal Code 243(e)), or $50,000 for a Felony (Penal Code 273.5). A felony is generally charged when evidence of physical harm has been done to one or more victims.

Once it’s been determined that a bail bond will be used to get the defendant out of jail, paperwork will need to be signed. This paperwork details the collateral used to purchase the bond, the fees involved, and who is responsible for ensuring the defendant shows up to all court proceedings.

For the bail agent to set up the bond, the agent will need the full name of the defendant, the booking number, the charge or charges the defendant is facing, and the location of the jail. Then, the bail agent will bond the defendant out of jail. This entire process can take several hours, depending on how busy the jail is.

If the defendant fails to show up to his or her court proceedings, the person who took out the bail bond stands to lose their collateral and faces additional penalties.

The price of a bail bond is determined by various factors, including location, the nature of the charge, and prior offenses. However, in most cases, the cost of the bond is between seven and ten percent of the bail amount.

When it comes to paying for a bond, we conveniently accept a variety of payment methods for our services, such as:

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • Cash
  • PayPal
  • Venmo
  • Zelle
  • Bank Transfers

We also offer fast and easy payments plans, military discounts, and beat most advertised prices.

If you are thinking about not using a bail bond agent for help, there are a few other options, including the following:

  • Pay the court or jail cash, which you will get back fewer fees or outstanding fines due to the court once the case has been completed
  • Use a US Treasury Bond
  • Use Real Property
  • Stay in Jail

Contact 24 Hour Online Bail Bonds for Help Now!

We understand how difficult this time can be for you and your family—remember, though, you don’t have to face it alone! Our team wants to make the bail process as smooth and easy for you as possible. You can trust and depend on us. We provide discreet, confidential services and never share information with any outside agencies.

For your convenience, we can be reached 24/7—by phone or online—365 days a year. So, if you or someone you know has recently been arrested for domestic violence, you know what to do!  

If you still have questions or concerns or would like to speak to an agent about securing a bail bond, please contact us now.