California DUI
Bail Bonds
Arrested for DUI? You build your defense from home, not a jail cell. CityWide posts DUI bail in all 58 counties, 24 hours a day.
Bail Bond Cost California law sets the bail bond premium at exactly 10 percent (10%) of the total bail amount. This rate is set by the California Department of Insurance and is identical at every licensed bail bond company. CityWide offers flexible payment plans for qualified co-signers and indemnitors. Call 1-833-385-5245 .
Why Call CityWide First
-
Licensed in all 58 counties
-
Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
-
Phone and e-signature, no office visit required
-
Family-owned, in business since 2003
-
Bilingual service, English and Spanish
How DUI Bail Bonds Work
When someone is arrested for DUI in California, they are booked at the local county jail, fingerprinted, and held until bail is posted or a judge orders release. The arresting agency sets bail based on the California Bail Schedule, which varies by county and by prior DUI history. First-offense DUI bail is typically set between $5,000 and $15,000. A second DUI or a DUI causing injury can see bail set at $25,000 to $100,000 or more.
A bail bond covers the full bail amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium of 10 percent (10%) of the total bail. This rate is set by the California Department of Insurance and cannot be changed by any licensed bail bondsman. CityWide offers payment plans and flexible down payment options for qualified co-signers in all 58 counties.
After release, the defendant must appear at all scheduled court dates including arraignment, preliminary hearing, and any trial proceedings. The co-signer, also called the indemnitor, takes financial responsibility for ensuring the defendant appears. If the defendant fails to appear, the full bail amount becomes due. CityWide monitors every active bond and notifies co-signers of all court obligations.
Start Now: 1-833-385-5245Booking and Processing
After a DUI stop, the defendant is taken to the local county jail for booking. This includes fingerprinting, photographing, and a blood or breath test. Bail is set according to the county bail schedule. The booking process typically takes 2 to 6 hours before bail can even be posted.
Posting the DUI Bail Bond
Once booking is complete, CityWide posts the bail bond directly with the jail. We handle everything by phone and e-signature. You never need to visit our office or the jail. A licensed agent starts the process the moment you call 1-833-385-5245.
Release and Court Obligations
After bail is posted, the defendant is released and given a court date for arraignment, typically within 48 to 72 hours for in-custody cases. The arraignment is when formal charges are read and a plea is entered. Being out on bail before this hearing gives the defendant and their attorney critical preparation time.
DMV Hearing Requirement
A DUI arrest triggers two separate proceedings: the criminal case in Superior Court and an administrative hearing with the DMV. The defendant has 10 days from the arrest to request a DMV hearing or their license is automatically suspended. CityWide handles the bail bond side. We strongly recommend the defendant also contact a DUI attorney immediately to handle the DMV hearing request.
CityWide Serves All 58 California Counties
DUI Bail Amounts by Charge Type
California DUI bail amounts follow a county-specific schedule. These are typical ranges by county.
Bail amounts vary by county and are subject to judicial modification. The 10 percent premium is non-refundable. Payment plans available for qualified co-signers.
Bond premium is 10% of total bail, set by the California Department of Insurance. Rate is identical at every licensed company.
California DUI Law and Bail Eligibility
A DUI arrest in California falls under Vehicle Code 23152, which covers driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Most first and second offense DUI arrests are bailable, meaning the defendant can post bond and go home before their court date. Third offense and felony DUI charges, especially those involving injury or death, carry significantly higher bail and may trigger a bail review hearing.
California's "zero tolerance" standard applies to drivers under 21 with any detectable blood alcohol level. Commercial drivers face a stricter 0.04% BAC threshold under VC 23152(d). For standard drivers, the legal limit is 0.08%, but impairment charges can be filed even below that threshold.
Because DUI arrests often happen at night or on weekends when courts are closed, the booking process can stretch to 12 hours or more before a scheduled release. Posting a bail bond gets the defendant out faster, typically within 2 to 6 hours of the bond being posted at the jail.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in California
After a DUI arrest, the defendant faces two separate legal proceedings: the criminal case in Superior Court and an administrative hearing with the California DMV. The DMV hearing must be requested within 10 days of arrest or the license is automatically suspended. These are independent processes, winning or losing one does not automatically affect the other.
At arraignment, the defendant is formally charged and enters a plea. For first-offense misdemeanor DUI, arraignment typically happens within 48 to 72 hours if the defendant is in custody. Posting bail allows the defendant to attend arraignment from home and coordinate with a defense attorney in advance.
CityWide agents can explain the difference between the two proceedings on the call, but we always recommend retaining a licensed DUI attorney immediately after arrest. The 10-day window to request a DMV hearing is strict and easy to miss.
Why Choose CityWide for DUI / DWI Bail
Available 24/7
DUI / DWI arrests happen most on Friday and Saturday nights. CityWide is fully staffed around the clock, every night, every holiday. We post DUI bail the same night you call.
Licensed Statewide Since 2003
CityWide is a family-owned California bail bond agency licensed in all 58 counties since 2003. Over 20 years of experience with dui / dwi cases across the state.
Flexible Payment Plans
CityWide offers payment plans and low down payment options for qualified co-signers. We accept cash, credit cards, Zelle, and PayPal. The premium is always 10 percent, fixed by state law.
Phone and E-Signature
Everything is handled by phone and electronic signature. You never need to visit a bail bond office or the jail. One call starts the entire process.
Named Agent, Not a Call Center
CityWide is family-owned. You deal with a licensed agent who gives you their name and direct number. Not an answering service. Not an 800-number queue.
Bilingual English and Spanish
CityWide agents serve clients in English and Spanish. We cover the entire state with bilingual bail bond service available 24 hours a day.
Ready to Post Bail Right Now?
A licensed CityWide agent picks up immediately. 24 hours, all 58 counties.
Why California DUI Bail Bonds Trusts CityWide
20+ years in California
We know the local jail, the staff, and the release process inside and out.
Family-owned and operated
You deal directly with a licensed agent who gives you their name and number.
All charges covered
DUI, felony, misdemeanor, domestic violence, drugs, warrants. No case too complex.
Flexible payment plans
Flexible down payments and payment plans for qualified co-signers.
English and Spanish
Bilingual agents available 24 hours a day for Spanish-speaking families.
No office visit required
Handle everything by phone and e-signature from anywhere, any time.
Licensed bail agents answering right now.
CALL 1-833-385-5245Frequently Asked Questions
A DUI bail bond costs 10 percent (10%) of the total bail amount. This rate is set by the California Department of Insurance and is identical at every licensed bail bond company in the state. If bail is set at $10,000, the bond premium is $1,000. CityWide offers payment plans for qualified co-signers.
After a DUI bail bond is posted, release from the county jail typically takes 2 to 6 hours. Processing time varies by jail volume and shift timing. CityWide starts the moment you call and keeps you updated through every step.
Yes. Most DUI bail bonds require no collateral. CityWide typically requires a co-signer and a down payment on the 10 percent premium. For higher bail amounts or less creditworthy co-signers, additional collateral may be discussed.
The co-signer, also called the indemnitor, is the person who signs the bail bond contract and takes responsibility for ensuring the defendant appears at all court dates. If the defendant fails to appear, the indemnitor may be responsible for the full bail amount.
No. The bail bond covers the criminal court case only. The DMV hearing is a separate administrative proceeding. You must request a DMV hearing within 10 days of the DUI arrest or the license suspension is automatic. CityWide handles bail. Contact a DUI defense attorney to handle the DMV side immediately.
Yes. CityWide operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year including weekends and all holidays. Jails process bail bonds around the clock. DUI arrests happen most often on Friday and Saturday nights, and CityWide is fully staffed for that.
Arraignment is the first court hearing after arrest. The defendant appears before a judge, hears the formal charges, and enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Bail may be reviewed at this hearing. Arraignment for a DUI typically happens within 48 to 72 hours of arrest for in-custody defendants. Being out on bail means attending arraignment with freedom and time to prepare with an attorney.
Bail can be denied for repeat DUI offenders, DUI causing serious injury or death, or defendants with outstanding warrants. If bail is denied, the defendant remains in custody until a judge reviews the case. CityWide can help you understand the bail situation and recommend what steps to take next.
Find Your County
CityWide posts bail for this charge in every California county. Click your county for local jail info, release times, and a direct agent number.
California statute reference: California Vehicle Code 23152 (DUI) on leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Get Someone Released From a DUI Charge Tonight
Licensed in all 58 counties. Available right now.
California. All charges. All 58 counties. 24/7.