Misdemeanor Arrests and the Bail Process in Tuolumne County
Most arrests in Tuolumne County involve misdemeanor charges, and in the majority of cases bail can be posted immediately after booking using the county bail schedule, without waiting for a court hearing. This means the wait between arrest and release is often just a matter of hours, not days.
A misdemeanor in California is a criminal offense that carries a maximum penalty of up to one year in county jail, as opposed to a felony which carries state prison time. Despite being less serious than a felony, a misdemeanor arrest still results in booking at the Dambacher Detention Center in Sonora, and the defendant typically remains in custody until bail is posted or they are released on their own recognizance.
Misdemeanor bail amounts in Tuolumne County are set by the Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedule, which lists standard bail amounts for common offenses. Our agents know this schedule well and can give you a quick estimate of the bail amount for most common misdemeanor charges before you even call the jail.
Misdemeanor Bail for All Charge Types
DUI , First Offense
A first-offense DUI in California is typically a misdemeanor. Most DUI arrests include a mandatory holding period at the jail before bail can be posted. We monitor the status and move the moment bail is available.
Petty Theft
Theft of property valued under nine hundred fifty dollars is petty theft, a misdemeanor under California Penal Code 484. Bail is typically low and can be posted promptly after booking.
Simple Assault and Battery
Misdemeanor assault and battery charges under California Penal Code 240 and 242 are common in domestic incidents and bar fights. Bail is typically set by the schedule and can be posted same-day in most cases.
Drug Possession
Proposition 47 made simple personal-use drug possession a misdemeanor in California. Bail for possession misdemeanors is typically lower and can often be posted immediately after booking.
Trespassing
Trespassing under California Penal Code 602 is typically a misdemeanor. Common in rural Tuolumne County involving mining claims, private roads, and posted property. Bail is generally low.
Vandalism and Disorderly Conduct
Vandalism under nine hundred fifty dollars in damage is a misdemeanor. Disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace charges are also common misdemeanors with straightforward bail amounts.
- Domestic violence misdemeanor charges, such as Penal Code 273.5 inflicting corporal injury without great bodily harm
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license under Vehicle Code 14601
- Hit and run with property damage only under Vehicle Code 20002
- Public intoxication under Penal Code 647(f)
- Shoplifting under nine hundred fifty dollars under Penal Code 459.5
- Violation of a restraining or protective order under Penal Code 273.6
- Brandishing a weapon without intent to inflict great bodily harm
- Reckless driving under Vehicle Code 23103
- Possession of drug paraphernalia under Health and Safety Code 11364
- Resisting arrest under Penal Code 148(a)(1)
How Misdemeanor Bail Differs from Felony Bail
The key advantage of a misdemeanor charge from a bail standpoint is that bail is almost always preset by the county bail schedule, allowing us to post bond immediately after booking without waiting for a judge. For most misdemeanors, the entire bail process, from arrest to release, happens within the same day.
Misdemeanor bail amounts are also significantly lower than felony bail, which means the ten percent bail bond premium you pay is more manageable. For a two thousand dollar bail, the premium is two hundred dollars. Payment plans are available for any amount.
Can a misdemeanor become a felony? Yes. California has several "wobbler" offenses that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the facts and the prosecutor's discretion. DUI with injury, domestic battery causing serious bodily harm, and theft with prior convictions are common examples. If the charge is a wobbler, bail may be higher than a standard misdemeanor.
Common Questions About Misdemeanor Bail in Tuolumne County
Tuolumne County Jail Info
Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 533-7270
(209) 533-5855
(209) 533-5563
tcso.citizenrims.com
What to Have Ready When You Call
- Full name of the person arrested
- Date of birth (most helpful)
- Booking or case number if known
- Charges listed (if available)
- Call even if you only have a name