You asked, and we answered. Why are the bail amounts for some crimes less—or more—than others? Managing editor Tami Roleff explains…
San Bernardino County sets all bail amounts for almost every crime committed in the county, and several factors are used to determine the bail amount. A crime with a maximum jail time of six months, for example, has a $5,000 dollar bail. Other crimes carry stiffer penalties, such as felony spouse abuse with a $50,000 dollar bail amount. Then there are crimes with bail amounts that are so high it’s obvious the county is making every effort to keep the accused in jail, such as murder, with a $1 million bail, or no bail for murder committed with special circumstances. Crimes that threaten the safety of people usually have enhanced bail amounts. For example, arson has a bail of $50,000, arson of a structure or forest is $100,000, and arson causing bodily injury is $250,000. When a suspect is arrested, the Sheriff’s deputies may arrest a suspect on a charge that may be changed once the District Attorney reviews the case, which would also change the bail amount. In addition, a judge may increase or reduce the bail amount when the suspect appears for his or her arraignment. Other factors that are taken into consideration when setting bail is whether the suspect has any prior felony convictions, has served time in prison, the suspect’s history and risk to the community. Below is the link to the felony bail schedule:
