When someone you care about is arrested in Sonoma County, one of the first questions you will have is: how much is bail? The answer depends on the Sonoma County criminal bail schedule. This article explains how it works, what common bail amounts look like, and how a bail bond makes the numbers more manageable.
What Is a Bail Schedule?
A bail schedule is a table of preset bail amounts approved by the Superior Court judges in each county. California law requires every county to have 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 immediately after booking, before ever seeing a judge.
The Sonoma County Superior Court updates the bail schedule periodically. The amounts listed below reflect the current schedule based on the 2023 Sonoma County Criminal Bail Schedule. If the charge is serious enough or the defendant has a prior record, a judge may increase the amount at the first court appearance.
Common Bail Amounts in Sonoma County
Bail amounts vary widely depending on the nature of the charge. Here is a general picture of what families tend to see:
| Charge Category | Typical Bail Range | Bond Cost (10%) |
|---|---|---|
| DUI (misdemeanor, 1st offense) | $5,000 - $20,000 | $500 - $2,000 |
| Domestic violence (felony) | $25,000 - $50,000 | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Drug possession / possession for sale | $20,000 - $50,000 | $2,000 - $5,000 |
| Assault with deadly weapon / firearm | $30,000 - $50,000 | $3,000 - $5,000 |
| Burglary / robbery | $50,000 - $100,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Weapons charge (felon with firearm) | $20,000 - $250,000 | $2,000 - $25,000 |
Note: These are general ranges based on the Sonoma County Criminal Bail Schedule. Actual bail amounts depend on the specific charge code, the defendant's criminal history, and any enhancements the prosecutor adds.
Detailed Bail Amounts by Charge Type
DUI Charges
A first-offense misdemeanor DUI in Sonoma County carries bail between $5,000 and $20,000. OR (own recognizance) release is common for first-time offenders with no aggravating factors. Second and third DUI offenses land on the higher end of that $5,000 to $20,000 range. A felony DUI involving injury or four or more prior convictions starts at $50,000 and goes up from there.
Domestic Violence
Misdemeanor domestic battery under PC 243(e)(1) carries bail between $5,000 and $10,000. Felony corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant under PC 273.5 ranges from $25,000 to $50,000.
Assault
Assault with a deadly weapon under PC 245(a)(1) carries bail of $30,000. Assault with a firearm under PC 245(a)(2) is set at $50,000.
Theft, Burglary, and Robbery
Petty theft and shoplifting misdemeanors range from $500 to $5,000. Grand theft under PC 487 is set at $20,000. Commercial burglary carries bail of $20,000 to $25,000, while residential burglary (first degree) jumps to $50,000. Robbery in the second degree is $50,000. First-degree robbery is $100,000.
Drug Charges
Simple drug possession under HS 11350 carries bail of $20,000. Possession for sale under HS 11351 starts at $25,000 and increases based on quantity: 8 or more ounces raises bail to $50,000, one or more pounds to $100,000, and one kilogram or more to $500,000. Cocaine base for sale under HS 11351.5 is $30,000. Drug transport or sale under HS 11352 is $30,000. Meth possession for sale under HS 11378 ranges from $20,000 to $25,000. Meth transport or sale under HS 11379 ranges from $25,000 to $30,000.
Weapons Charges
Carrying a concealed weapon under PC 25400 carries bail of $20,000. A felon in possession of a firearm under PC 29800 ranges from $20,000 to $25,000. Shooting from a vehicle is set at $250,000.
Other Serious Charges
Murder bail starts at $1,000,000 or more. Kidnapping for ransom is set at $1,000,000. Stalking carries bail of $150,000. Elder abuse is $50,000.
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 residential burglary charge, you pay a bail bondsman $5,000. The bondsman then posts the full $50,000 with the court as a guarantee that the defendant will appear. You do not have to come up with $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 Sonoma County is bailable. California law prohibits bail in capital cases (charges that carry the death penalty or life without parole). Additionally, judges can 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 Sonoma County if needed.
How to Get Help in Sonoma County
If your loved one has been arrested in Sonoma County, call Allied Bail Bonds at (707) 544-9682. 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.
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 Sonoma County?
Sonoma County uses a criminal bail schedule approved by the Superior Court that sets standard bail amounts for most offenses. Misdemeanor bail typically ranges from $500 to $20,000. Felony bail ranges from $20,000 for lower-level charges up to $1,000,000 or more for violent crimes like murder. A bail bondsman posts a surety bond for 10% of the total bail amount.
How do I bail someone out of the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility?
Call Allied Bail Bonds at (707) 544-9682. We will locate the detainee at the Main Adult Detention Facility at 2777 Ventura Avenue in Santa Rosa, confirm the bail amount, explain your payment options, and post the bond as quickly as the facility allows. We are available 24 hours a day.
What charges are not bailable in Sonoma County?
Capital crimes carry no right to bail in California. Judges can also deny bail in cases involving high risk of flight, danger to the community, or defendants already on probation or parole. In these cases, a detention hearing at the Sonoma County Superior Court determines whether bail is set or denied entirely.
Can I get a payment plan for bail bonds in Sonoma County?
Yes. Allied Bail Bonds offers flexible payment plans for Sonoma County bail bonds. You do not have to pay the full 10% premium upfront. We can arrange as little as 10% of the premium as a down payment with manageable monthly payments for the rest.