Bail Bonds for Domestic Violence Cases: What You Need to Know

Domestic violence arrests are treated differently than most other charges under California law. The moment someone is arrested on a DV charge, a mandatory 72-hour hold goes into effect — meaning bail cannot be posted for at least three days regardless of the bail amount. This hold exists to give the alleged victim time to seek safety and obtain a protective order.

California Penal Code 12.1 requires that anyone arrested for domestic violence be held for a minimum of 72 hours before bail can be posted. This clock starts from the time of arrest, not booking. During this period, Chad Conley Bail Bonds monitors the case, prepares all paperwork, and is ready to post bail the moment the hold expires — so there's no additional delay on our end.

At the time of a domestic violence arrest, the responding officer typically issues an Emergency Protective Order (EPO). This order prohibits the defendant from contacting or coming near the alleged victim. The EPO remains in effect even after bail is posted. Violating an EPO is a separate criminal offense and can result in immediate re-arrest. We make sure every client understands their EPO conditions before release.

Domestic violence bail amounts vary significantly based on the severity of the charges, the defendant's criminal history, and the county. In Los Angeles County, misdemeanor DV bail typically starts around $20,000. Felony DV charges can reach $100,000 or more. San Bernardino and Orange Counties have their own bail schedules. Chad Conley Bail Bonds works with all bail amounts and offers flexible payment plans.

In addition to the EPO, courts often impose additional bail conditions in domestic violence cases: mandatory enrollment in a batterer's intervention program, no possession of firearms, random drug and alcohol testing, and GPS monitoring in some cases. Violating any bail condition results in immediate bail forfeiture and re-arrest. We walk every client through their conditions clearly before they leave custody.

Chad Conley Bail Bonds has handled hundreds of domestic violence cases across LA, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties. We know the 72-hour hold timeline at every major facility, we understand EPO requirements, and we work quickly. We're available 24/7 — call us the moment the arrest happens and we'll start preparing so there's zero delay when the hold expires.