When someone you care about is arrested in El Dorado County, your first question is usually: how much is bail? The answer depends on the El Dorado County bail schedule. This guide breaks down how it works, what common bail amounts look like, and how a bail bond makes the cost manageable.
What Is a Bail Schedule?
A bail schedule is a list of preset bail amounts approved by the Superior Court judges in each county. California law requires every county to publish one. When someone is arrested, the booking officer looks up the charge on the schedule and assigns the corresponding bail amount automatically, without a judge needing to be present. This allows people to post bail and get released right after booking, before their first court appearance.
The El Dorado County Superior Court updates the bail schedule periodically. The amounts below reflect the schedule updated January 21, 2025. The full schedule is available as a PDF from the El Dorado County Superior Court. If the charge is serious or the defendant has a prior record, a judge may increase the amount at the first court appearance.
Common Bail Amounts in El Dorado County
Bail amounts vary depending on the charge. Here is what families typically see for arrests in Placerville, South Lake Tahoe, and the rest of El Dorado County:
| Charge Category | Typical Bail Range | Bond Cost (10%) |
|---|---|---|
| DUI (1st offense, misdemeanor) | $2,500 - $5,000 | $250 - $500 |
| Domestic violence (felony) | $50,000 - $100,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Drug possession for sale | $20,000 - $50,000 | $2,000 - $5,000 |
| Assault with deadly weapon | $30,000 - $200,000 | $3,000 - $20,000 |
| Burglary / Robbery | $20,000 - $100,000 | $2,000 - $10,000 |
| Weapons (felon with firearm) | $25,000 - $50,000 | $2,500 - $5,000 |
Note: These are general ranges from the El Dorado County bail schedule updated January 21, 2025. Actual bail amounts depend on the specific charge code, the defendant's criminal history, and any enhancements the prosecutor adds.
How the 10% Bail Bond Works
California law sets the bail bond premium at exactly 10% of the total bail amount. This is not something a bail bond company negotiates. It is fixed by state regulation.
Here is a simple example. If bail is set at $50,000 for a corporal injury to spouse charge in El Dorado County, you pay a bail bondsman $5,000. The bondsman posts the full $50,000 with the court as a guarantee that the defendant will appear. You do not need $50,000 in cash. You pay $5,000 and your loved one comes home while the case works through the courts.
The $5,000 is the bail bondsman's fee for assuming the risk. It is not refundable, regardless of how the case ends. If your loved one is found not guilty or charges are dropped, you do not get the bond premium back. That fee paid for their release and the guarantee posted to the court.
Allied Bail Bonds also offers payment plans. You do not have to pay the full 10% upfront. We can arrange as little as 10% of the premium as a down payment with manageable monthly payments for the rest. If the full bail is $50,000 and the premium is $5,000, you might start with just $500 down.
When No-Bail Holds Apply
Not every charge in El Dorado County is bailable. First-degree murder carries no bail under California law. Judges can also deny bail in any case where they determine the defendant poses a significant danger to the community or is a flight risk.
Common situations where a no-bail hold may apply:
- The defendant is already on probation or parole
- A charge involves a specified sex offense
- The judge finds the defendant is a serious public safety risk
- The defendant has multiple prior failures to appear
If bail has been denied, a defense attorney can request a bail review hearing where a judge reconsiders the decision. Allied Bail Bonds can refer you to local criminal defense attorneys in El Dorado County if needed.
El Dorado County Bail Schedule Details
The El Dorado County schedule includes specific rules that affect how bail is calculated. For any felony not listed in the schedule, bail defaults to $15,000. Unscheduled misdemeanors default to $3,000.
When someone is charged with one felony plus enhancements, the highest single bail amount applies. However, for violent or serious felonies, bail is stacked on all charges. That means each charge adds to the total rather than only the highest one counting.
DUI enhancements also add to bail. A BAC between .15 and .19 adds $5,000 to the base bail. A BAC of .20 or higher adds $10,000.
How to Get Help in El Dorado County
If your loved one has been arrested in El Dorado County, call Allied Bail Bonds at (530) 622-7700. We answer 24 hours a day, including holidays. We will check the system, confirm the bail amount, explain your options, and begin the bond process immediately.
You can also contact the El Dorado County Jail directly at (530) 341-8900 for booking status and visiting information.
There is no office visit required. All paperwork is handled by phone and electronic signature. A licensed agent walks you through every document before you sign anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the bail schedule in El Dorado County?
El Dorado County uses a bail schedule approved by the Superior Court that sets standard bail amounts for criminal charges. Misdemeanor offenses typically carry bail from $1,000 to $10,000. Felonies range from $15,000 for lower-level charges to $200,000 or more for violent crimes. A bail bondsman posts a surety bond for 10% of the total bail amount.
How do I bail someone out of El Dorado County Jail?
Call Allied Bail Bonds at (530) 622-7700. We answer 24 hours a day. We will locate the detainee in the El Dorado County Jail system in Placerville, confirm the bail amount from the schedule, explain your payment options, and post the bond as quickly as the facility allows. Arrests in South Lake Tahoe are also processed through El Dorado County.
What charges have no bail in El Dorado County?
Capital crimes like first-degree murder carry no bail in California. Judges can also deny bail in cases involving high flight risk, serious danger to the community, or defendants already on probation or parole. In these situations, a detention hearing determines whether bail is set or denied entirely.
How much does a bail bond cost in El Dorado County?
California law sets the bail bond premium at exactly 10% of the total bail amount. If bail is $50,000 for a residential burglary charge, you pay $5,000 to a bail bondsman. Allied Bail Bonds also offers payment plans so you do not have to pay the full 10% upfront. Call (530) 622-7700 for a free quote.