California Penal Codes and Common Charges
The booked charge is what drives the bail amount on the county schedule, which is why an agent asks for it early. Below are the statutes that generate the most bail calls in California — Penal Code offenses by category, plus labeled sections for Health & Safety Code drug charges and Vehicle Code driving charges. These pages describe how bail is commonly handled. They are general information, not legal advice about any case.
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34 statutes shown
Penal Code (PC) charges by category
Violent offenses
- PC 187 — MurderPenal Code 187 covers unlawful killing with malice, the most serious charge in California. Bail is often set high by the court rather than the county schedule, and in some cases a judge may decline to set bail at all. County bail schedules list an amount for PC 187, and the assigned superior court can adjust it at arraignment based on the facts alleged and the person's record.
- PC 211 — RobberyPenal Code 211 is taking property from another person by force or fear. It is charged as a felony, and bail amounts on county schedules reflect the degree alleged and any enhancements. Scheduled bail for PC 211 differs from county to county, and the superior court handling the case may set a different figure once the charge is formally filed.
- PC 215 — CarjackingPenal Code 215 covers taking a vehicle from the person in possession of it by force or fear. It is a felony, and county schedules generally list it well above ordinary vehicle theft. An agent can look up how the county schedule treats PC 215 and explain what the surety requires; the superior court still has the final word on the amount.
- PC 245 — Assault with a Deadly WeaponPenal Code 245 covers assault with a deadly weapon or by means likely to produce great bodily injury. It can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor, which is one reason scheduled bail varies so widely. Bail on a PC 245 booking starts from the county schedule, and the superior court may keep, raise, or reduce it at the first appearance.
- PC 236 — False ImprisonmentPenal Code 236 is unlawfully restraining another person's liberty. Whether it is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony usually turns on whether force, violence, or fraud is alleged. County bail schedules list an amount for PC 236, and the assigned superior court can adjust it at arraignment based on the facts alleged and the person's record.
- PC 422 — Criminal ThreatsPenal Code 422 covers threatening a person with serious harm in a way that puts them in sustained fear. It can be filed as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Scheduled bail for PC 422 differs from county to county, and the superior court handling the case may set a different figure once the charge is formally filed.
Domestic and protective orders
- PC 273.5 — Corporal Injury to a Spouse or CohabitantPenal Code 273.5 covers inflicting physical injury on a spouse, partner, or cohabitant. Domestic violence bookings frequently involve a protective order, which affects release conditions. An agent can look up how the county schedule treats PC 273.5 and explain what the surety requires; the superior court still has the final word on the amount.
- PC 243(e)(1) — Domestic BatteryPenal Code 243(e)(1) is a misdemeanor battery against a spouse, partner, or cohabitant. Even on a misdemeanor, courts commonly impose no-contact conditions after release. Bail on a PC 243(e)(1) booking starts from the county schedule, and the superior court may keep, raise, or reduce it at the first appearance.
- PC 273.6 — Violating a Protective OrderPenal Code 273.6 covers knowingly violating the terms of a court protective or restraining order. Repeat allegations and any claimed violence can raise how the charge is filed. County bail schedules list an amount for PC 273.6, and the assigned superior court can adjust it at arraignment based on the facts alleged and the person's record.
- PC 273a — Child EndangermentPenal Code 273a covers placing a child in a situation where their health or safety is endangered. It may be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the risk of great bodily harm alleged. Scheduled bail for PC 273a differs from county to county, and the superior court handling the case may set a different figure once the charge is formally filed.
- PC 368 — Elder AbusePenal Code 368 covers physical abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of an elder or dependent adult. Filing as a misdemeanor or felony depends on the allegations. An agent can look up how the county schedule treats PC 368 and explain what the surety requires; the superior court still has the final word on the amount.
- PC 646.9 — StalkingPenal Code 646.9 covers repeated following or harassment that causes a credible fear for safety. A prior conviction or an existing restraining order affects how it is charged. Bail on a PC 646.9 booking starts from the county schedule, and the superior court may keep, raise, or reduce it at the first appearance.
Theft and property
- PC 459 — BurglaryPenal Code 459 is entering a structure or vehicle with intent to commit theft or another felony. First-degree residential burglary is treated far more seriously on bail schedules than second-degree. County bail schedules list an amount for PC 459, and the assigned superior court can adjust it at arraignment based on the facts alleged and the person's record.
- PC 487 — Grand TheftPenal Code 487 covers theft above the statutory dollar threshold, or certain property types regardless of value. It can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor. Scheduled bail for PC 487 differs from county to county, and the superior court handling the case may set a different figure once the charge is formally filed.
- PC 488 — Petty TheftPenal Code 488 is theft of property at or below the statutory threshold, normally a misdemeanor. Scheduled bail is comparatively low, and some bookings are released on a citation instead. An agent can look up how the county schedule treats PC 488 and explain what the surety requires; the superior court still has the final word on the amount.
- PC 496 — Receiving Stolen PropertyPenal Code 496 covers buying, receiving, or concealing property known to be stolen. Value and prior record influence whether it is filed as a misdemeanor or felony. Bail on a PC 496 booking starts from the county schedule, and the superior court may keep, raise, or reduce it at the first appearance.
- PC 470 — ForgeryPenal Code 470 covers signing, altering, or passing a document with intent to defraud. Charges often accompany related fraud or identity theft allegations. County bail schedules list an amount for PC 470, and the assigned superior court can adjust it at arraignment based on the facts alleged and the person's record.
- PC 594 — VandalismPenal Code 594 covers defacing, damaging, or destroying property belonging to another. The alleged repair cost usually decides whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony. Scheduled bail for PC 594 differs from county to county, and the superior court handling the case may set a different figure once the charge is formally filed.
Weapons
- PC 29800 — Prohibited Person in Possession of a FirearmPenal Code 29800 makes firearm possession unlawful for people with certain prior convictions. It is a felony, and firearm allegations tend to raise scheduled bail. Bail on a PC 29800 booking starts from the county schedule, and the superior court may keep, raise, or reduce it at the first appearance.
- PC 25400 — Carrying a Concealed FirearmPenal Code 25400 covers carrying a concealed firearm on the person or in a vehicle without lawful authority. It can be filed as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances. County bail schedules list an amount for PC 25400, and the assigned superior court can adjust it at arraignment based on the facts alleged and the person's record.
Health & Safety Code (HS) — drug charges
Drug offenses range from misdemeanor possession to felony sale allegations, and the difference shows up directly in scheduled bail.
- HS 11350 — Possession of a Controlled SubstanceHealth & Safety Code 11350 covers simple possession of certain controlled substances. Many cases are treated as misdemeanors, and diversion or treatment programs are sometimes available through the court. Scheduled bail for HS 11350 differs from county to county, and the superior court handling the case may set a different figure once the charge is formally filed.
- HS 11377 — Possession of MethamphetamineHealth & Safety Code 11377 covers possession of methamphetamine and similar substances for personal use. It is usually a misdemeanor, with scheduled bail on the lower end. An agent can look up how the county schedule treats HS 11377 and explain what the surety requires; the superior court still has the final word on the amount.
- HS 11351 — Possession for SaleHealth & Safety Code 11351 covers possessing a controlled substance with intent to sell. Quantity and packaging allegations often drive the bail amount well above simple possession. Bail on a HS 11351 booking starts from the county schedule, and the superior court may keep, raise, or reduce it at the first appearance.
- HS 11352 — Transportation or Sale of a Controlled SubstanceHealth & Safety Code 11352 covers selling, furnishing, or transporting controlled substances for sale. It is a felony, and alleged quantity affects how bail is set. County bail schedules list an amount for HS 11352, and the assigned superior court can adjust it at arraignment based on the facts alleged and the person's record.
- HS 11378 — Possession of Methamphetamine for SaleHealth & Safety Code 11378 covers possessing methamphetamine with intent to sell. It is a felony and is scheduled higher than simple possession. Scheduled bail for HS 11378 differs from county to county, and the superior court handling the case may set a different figure once the charge is formally filed.
- HS 11379 — Transportation or Sale of MethamphetamineHealth & Safety Code 11379 covers transporting, selling, or furnishing methamphetamine. Felony filing is typical and enhancements can apply. An agent can look up how the county schedule treats HS 11379 and explain what the surety requires; the superior court still has the final word on the amount.
- HS 11364 — Possession of Drug ParaphernaliaHealth & Safety Code 11364 covers possessing an item used to consume a controlled substance. It is a misdemeanor and often appears alongside a possession charge. Bail on a HS 11364 booking starts from the county schedule, and the superior court may keep, raise, or reduce it at the first appearance.
Vehicle Code (VC) — driving and DUI charges
DUI and driving offenses are among the highest-volume overnight bookings in California, especially on weekends and holidays.
- VC 23152 — Driving Under the InfluenceVehicle Code 23152 covers driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A first offense is usually a misdemeanor, though prior convictions change how the case is filed. County bail schedules list an amount for VC 23152, and the assigned superior court can adjust it at arraignment based on the facts alleged and the person's record.
- VC 23153 — DUI Causing InjuryVehicle Code 23153 applies when driving under the influence causes injury to another person. It can be charged as a felony, and scheduled bail is substantially higher than a standard DUI. Scheduled bail for VC 23153 differs from county to county, and the superior court handling the case may set a different figure once the charge is formally filed.
- VC 2800.2 — Reckless Evading of a Peace OfficerVehicle Code 2800.2 covers fleeing a pursuing officer with willful disregard for safety. It can be filed as a felony. An agent can look up how the county schedule treats VC 2800.2 and explain what the surety requires; the superior court still has the final word on the amount.
- VC 10851 — Unlawful Taking of a VehicleVehicle Code 10851 covers driving or taking a vehicle without the owner's consent. It can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Bail on a VC 10851 booking starts from the county schedule, and the superior court may keep, raise, or reduce it at the first appearance.
- VC 20001 — Hit and Run With InjuryVehicle Code 20001 covers leaving the scene of a crash involving injury or death. It is filed as a felony in most cases. County bail schedules list an amount for VC 20001, and the assigned superior court can adjust it at arraignment based on the facts alleged and the person's record.
- VC 14601 — Driving on a Suspended LicenseVehicle Code 14601 covers driving while a license is suspended or revoked, when the driver knows of the suspension. It is a misdemeanor, and scheduled bail is comparatively low. Scheduled bail for VC 14601 differs from county to county, and the superior court handling the case may set a different figure once the charge is formally filed.
Related directories
What to have ready when you call
Full name and date of birth
Spelled as it appears on ID. Jails file bookings by name and DOB, so this is what lets an agent find the record.
City, county, or jail
Where the arrest or booking happened. Even the city is enough to narrow down the facility.
Booking number or charge, if you have it
Not required, but it speeds up the lookup. A charge code such as PC 245 or VC 23152 helps too.
Who will sign
Bonds are signed by an adult who can be reached by phone. The agent will explain what signing involves before anything is finalized.
If you are missing something, call anyway — an agent can often work from a name and a city.
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Call (818) 805-0467This website provides general information about California bail bonds. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client or bail-agent relationship. Each agency named here is separately licensed by the California Department of Insurance and operates independently. Confirm any license at insurance.ca.gov. Premiums, collateral, and eligibility depend on the surety and the facts of each case.