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Have you or someone you know recently been arrested for domestic violence in the State of California? Are you worried about the charges you or a loved one could possibly face?

At 24 Hour Online Bail Bonds, our skilled and professional team is here to help guide you through this complicated process. We fully understand this is a challenging and frustrating time. However, it’s important to know that you are not alone.

To show our support, we’ve put together this resource page. Below, you will find information and details regarding domestic violence charges in California, as well as the bail process. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out at your convenient.

Learning about Domestic Violence

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.

Many types of abuse can qualify as “domestic abuse,” including 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.

In California, domestic disputes are common. The majority of the time that 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. Due to the 1995 O.J. Simpson case, a new legal precedent was set in the state, which has changed how the police and judges view domestic violence crimes. Arrests are common in these types of cases because if an individual is injured after the police leave the scene, a lawsuit could arise.

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.

California Penal Code Section 273.5(a) makes it illegal to injure a spouse, cohabitant, or fellow parent in an act of domestic violence. Other terms associated with this offense include domestic abuse, spousal battery, corporal injury on a spouse, or spousal abuse.

Typically, the consequences of a domestic violence charge in California include a jail and/or prison sentences. At the minimum, a domestic violence conviction will result in a sentence of three years of probation and the successful completion of a 52-week batterer's program.

Other consequences faced following a conviction can include the following:

  • Payment of fines and/or victim restitution
  • A restraining order or a protective order
  • Loss of custody rights
  • Loss of California gun rights
  • A permanent criminal record
  • Immigration consequences for non-citizens, such as deportation

Because each domestic violence case is different, it’s not entirely accurate to offer blanket statements of what will or will not—without a doubt—happen to the individual facing charges. Yet, the information stated above gives a rather thorough idea of what to expect.

Additionally, various factors will determine the overall charges, such as the severity of the crime, and if the accused already has a record.

It’s possible for the judge to only sentence probation, no jail time. However, it’s important to note (again) that the minimum amount of probation given for a domestic violence conviction will be 36 months—three years—under California Penal Code 1203.097. If granted probation, it's a requirement to check in with the court to ensure progress is occurring, meaning chances are highly unlikely for a repeat offense.

If you are arrested for domestic violence and later released on bail, it’s important to not get into anymore legal trouble while waiting for your court date. This could result in further, more severe consequences and charges.

Getting Out of Jail on Bail

Would you like our help getting out of jail on bail? Once you decide to secure assistance getting out of jail on bail, paperwork will need to be signed. This paperwork details the collateral used to purchase the bond (if necessary), 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, again, depending on how busy or full the jail is at the time. 

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

Additionally, we offer payment plans, military discounts, and beat most advertised prices

If you are thinking about not using a bail bond agent for help, you have the following options:

  • 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 Today!

We are here to help you move on with your life, without judgment or criticism. Further, we always keep our client’s information safe and secure. We provide discrete, confidential services and never share information with any outside agencies.

One of our agents can be reached 24/7, either online or by phone. So, if you still have questions or concerns regarding domestic violence charges in California or how to get out of jail on bail, please contact us now.