For less severe offenses, such as misdemeanors, bail may be more readily granted. In contrast, for violent or serious felonies, it may be more challenging to secure release.
The decision to post bail for someone should not be taken lightly. Financially, you risk losing the bail amount or collateral if the defendant fails to appear in court. Legally, the defendant's absence can lead to arrest warrants and additional charges, complicating their legal situation further.
Personal recognizance, also known as a "promise to appear," is a type of release that allows a defendant to be released from jail without paying bail. Instead, the defendant promises to appear in court on the scheduled date.
One of the most straightforward alternatives to bail is personal recognizance, where defendants are released based on their promise to return for court dates.
In California, misdemeanor shoplifting (petty theft) may have a bail amount set at $1,000.