What Is the Merced County Bail Schedule?
The Merced County bail schedule is a list of preset bail amounts published each year by the Merced County Superior Court. It allows jail staff to release defendants before their first court appearance without requiring a judge to set bail individually for each person.
When someone is arrested and booked at the Merced County Main Jail or the John Latorraca Correctional Facility, a bail amount is assigned based on the most serious charge listed. The bail schedule provides a standard amount for hundreds of California Penal Code violations, Vehicle Code violations, and Health and Safety Code violations.
At arraignment, the judge may keep the bail at the scheduled amount, raise it, lower it, or release the defendant on their own recognizance (OR release). Our agents are familiar with how Merced County judges typically approach bail for common charges and can give you realistic expectations when you call.
View Official 2025 Merced County Bail ScheduleBail Schedule Quick Facts
- Published byMerced County Superior Court
- UpdatedAnnually (current: 2025)
- Bond Premium10% of bail amount (CA law)
- Can Judge Change It?Yes, at arraignment
- Official Sourcemerced.courts.ca.gov
Common Bail Amounts in Merced County
The following ranges reflect typical bail amounts set by the Merced County bail schedule for common charges. Actual amounts vary based on circumstances and are subject to change by the court. Call (209) 400-2245 for a free bail amount check on any specific charge.
DUI (Vehicle Code 23152)
First Offense: $5,000 – $10,000
With Injury: $25,000 – $50,000+
Felony DUI: $50,000 – $100,000+
Bond cost on $10,000 bail: $1,000
Felony Charges
Robbery (PC 211): $50,000 – $100,000
Assault with Weapon: $30,000 – $75,000
Felony Drug Sales: $25,000 – $50,000
Bond cost on $50,000 bail: $5,000
Misdemeanors
Simple Assault: $5,000 – $15,000
Petty Theft Repeat: $5,000 – $10,000
Drug Possession: $5,000 – $20,000
Bond cost on $5,000 bail: $500
Domestic Violence
PC 273.5 (Corporal Injury): $25,000 – $50,000
PC 243(e) (Battery on Spouse): $10,000 – $20,000
DV charges carry mandatory hold periods
Drug Offenses
Simple Possession: $5,000 – $15,000
Sales / Distribution: $25,000 – $75,000
Trafficking (Federal): $100,000+
Bond cost on $25,000 bail: $2,500
Weapons Charges
Carrying Concealed (PC 25400): $10,000 – $25,000
Assault with Firearm: $50,000 – $150,000
Firearms enhancements significantly increase bail
California Regulated Bail Bond Rate
Every licensed bail bond agent in California is required by the California Department of Insurance to charge exactly 10% of the total bail amount. This is non-negotiable.
Some qualifying applicants (union members, active military, clients represented by licensed attorneys) may qualify for the 8% rate.
What Does a Bail Bond Cost in Merced County?
The bail bond premium is 10% of whatever bail the court or schedule sets. Here are real examples:
- $5,000 bail = $500 bond premium
- $10,000 bail = $1,000 bond premium
- $25,000 bail = $2,500 bond premium
- $50,000 bail = $5,000 bond premium
- $100,000 bail = $10,000 bond premium
The premium is earned by the agent once the bond is posted and is non-refundable regardless of how the case ends. However, we offer flexible payment plans for qualified applicants. No collateral is required in most cases.
Any company advertising "1% bail" or "0% down" in Merced County is misleading you. Under California Insurance Code Section 1800, the rate cannot be discounted below 10% except in narrow attorney-referred situations with a written surety agreement.
Bail Schedule FAQ
Yes. At arraignment, a Merced County Superior Court judge can reduce bail, increase it, or release the defendant OR (own recognizance). Factors considered include the defendant's ties to the community, criminal history, flight risk, and severity of the alleged offense. A criminal defense attorney can argue for reduced bail at arraignment.
A bail enhancement is an increase to the base bail amount based on specific factors such as prior convictions, use of a weapon, gang enhancements, or the severity of the injury to a victim. In Merced County, enhancements are listed separately in the bail schedule and are added on top of the base charge bail amount. Call (209) 400-2245 and we will walk through the exact charges with you.
We offer flexible payment plans for qualified applicants. The 10% total premium can be paid over time in many cases. We will work with your financial situation to structure something that gets your loved one out of jail. Call (209) 400-2245 and we will go over your options honestly with no pressure.
Under California law, bail can be denied for defendants charged with capital crimes (murder with special circumstances), and for those who present an extreme flight risk or danger to the community. For most charges, bail is available under the schedule. If bail was denied or set unusually high, a criminal defense attorney can file a bail motion.
Related Pages
- Merced County Jail Information, Both facilities, inmate search, booking process
- What to Do When Someone Is Arrested, Step-by-step action guide
- All Bail Bond Services, Every charge type we handle
- Free Warrant Check, Find out before it finds you
- Bail Bond FAQ, Common questions answered