People in this situation may be able to obtain a release on their own recognizance, which means that they can get bail without paying bond. A defendant will need to sign a written promise to show up at their scheduled court appearance.
Understanding Bail and Detention Periods Even so, California law prohibits judges from denying bail because you can't afford it. Therefore, judges may release you on your “own recognizance,” which means you take responsibility for attending your trial dates without paying bail.
The defendant can post their own bail or ask a family member or friend to post it. If the defendant uses a bond company, the company may require the defendant to have a co-signer (someone who will help the company find the defendant should they fail to appear).
If violators cannot make bail, they must remain in jail and the A&P hearing will take place when court next convenes. If the violator is not released at the A&P hearing, a trial must be held within 48 hours.
California Penal Code Section 825 says that a person arrested in California must be brought before a judge within 48 hours to be charged or released. These rules prevent law enforcement from holding suspects indefinitely while providing sufficient time to collect evidence and decide whether to take the case forward.