How Much Is Bail for Common Charges?

If you or a loved one has been arrested, one of the first questions is often, “How much is bail going to cost?” The answer depends on several factors — including the charge, criminal history, and even the county or state. In this guide, we break down average bail amounts by offense type and offer a general overview of what to expect.

Understanding How Bail Works

Bail is the amount of money a court sets to ensure a defendant returns for future court dates. It’s not a punishment — it’s a financial guarantee. If the person appears in court as required, the bail is returned (minus any fees). If they skip court, the bail is forfeited.

What Affects Bail Amounts?

🔸 Severity of the crime
🔸 Prior criminal history
🔸 Flight risk (likelihood of fleeing)
🔸 Public safety concerns
🔸 Local bail schedules (some counties and states have preset amounts)

Typical Bail Amounts by Type of Offense

🛑 Felony Charges

Felonies are the most serious crimes and typically carry the highest bail amounts. These vary significantly by state and crime severity.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon: $25,000 – $100,000
Armed Robbery: $50,000 – $250,000
Homicide (non-capital): $250,000 – $1,000,000+
Drug Trafficking: $50,000 – $500,000+

📍 In California, for example, bail for felony assault is commonly set between $30,000 and $50,000, depending on whether a weapon was involved. In Texas, it can exceed $100,000 if there’s intent to harm.

🚔 Misdemeanor Charges

Misdemeanors are considered less serious than felonies but can still carry significant bail amounts, especially if it’s a repeat offense.

Petty Theft: $500 – $2,000
Simple Assault: $1,000 – $5,000
Vandalism: $1,000 – $10,000
Public Intoxication: $250 – $1,000

📍 In New York, misdemeanor assault may result in a bail of $2,500. In Florida, that same charge might average around $1,000, depending on the county.

🚗 DUI & Traffic-Related Offenses

Driving under the influence (DUI) and other traffic-related crimes often carry automatic bail amounts based on local schedules.

First-Offense DUI: $500 – $2,500
DUI with Injury: $10,000 – $50,000
Driving with a Suspended License: $500 – $5,000
Hit and Run: $5,000 – $25,000

📍 In California, first-time DUI bail is often around $2,500, while a DUI causing injury can reach $50,000. In Illinois, bail for a first DUI might be closer to $1,000.

🏠 Domestic Violence & Restraining Order Violations

These types of charges are taken very seriously and often come with high bail amounts to ensure victim protection.

Domestic Battery: $5,000 – $50,000
Violation of Restraining Order: $10,000 – $100,000

📍 In Nevada, violating a protection order can carry bail around $15,000, but in some California counties, that same charge can exceed $50,000, especially if there’s a history of violence.

📦 Drug Possession

Possession charges range widely based on drug type, amount, and prior record.

Possession of Marijuana (non-legal states): $500 – $2,500
Possession of Controlled Substances (like cocaine, heroin): $2,000 – $10,000

📍 In Texas, possession of less than one gram of a controlled substance can result in a $5,000 bail. In Georgia, similar charges start at around $2,500.

💻 White Collar Crimes

These non-violent crimes often come with high bail due to the large sums of money involved or potential flight risk.

Fraud: $10,000 – $100,000+
Embezzlement: $25,000 – $200,000+
Identity Theft: $10,000 – $50,000

📍 In states like California or New Jersey, embezzlement cases over $100,000 could easily push bail past $250,000.

What If You Can’t Afford Bail?

That’s where bail bondsmen like Cowboy Bail Bonds come in. Instead of paying the full amount upfront, you only pay a percentage — usually 10% — and we handle the rest. Many agencies (including us) offer payment plans to make the process more accessible for families in crisis.

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond bail, you may also be responsible for:

⚖️ Court fees
👨‍⚖️ Attorney fees
🔍 Monitoring or GPS ankle bracelet fees
📜 Fines if convicted

Bail Reform and State Variations

Some states (like New Jersey and Illinois) have significantly limited cash bail or eliminated it altogether for most non-violent offenses. Others, like Texas and California, still rely heavily on traditional bail systems but have added reforms to reduce excessive bail for low-risk individuals.

Need Help Navigating the Process?

No matter where you are, Cowboy Bail Bonds is here to help. With decades of experience, we’ve supported thousands of families through tough moments. If you’re unsure how much bail will cost — or what options you have — contact us for expert guidance and 24/7 service.