The two charges that set the range
Penal Code §243(e)(1) — domestic battery — is a misdemeanor and does not require visible injury. Penal Code §273.5 — willful infliction of corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition — is a wobbler and is the felony filing families see most often.
| Filing | Typical scheduled bail |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor domestic battery (§243(e)(1)) | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Felony corporal injury (§273.5) | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| §273.5 with GBI, strangulation, or priors | $100,000+ |
These match the ranges published on our domestic violence bail bonds page and the by-charge table on the bail bond calculator.
The cooling-off period
California allows a delay before release on certain domestic violence arrests so a protective order can be issued and served. Plan for release to take longer than a typical misdemeanor booking, and expect an emergency protective order under Family Code §6250 to restrict contact and residence.
What raises the number at arraignment
- Great bodily injury allegations or strangulation counts.
- A prior DV conviction or an existing protective order.
- Children present during the incident.
- Weapon allegations — see bail bonds for gun charges.
- Probation or parole status at the time of arrest.
The court applies Penal Code §1275 and must weigh victim and public safety, so DV bail is rarely reduced without a concrete safety plan.
Cost of the bond
The premium is 10% of the bail under Insurance Code §1800. On a $50,000 felony DV bail that is $5,000, and Armstrong regularly starts the process with a down payment as low as 1% for qualified cosigners. Booking is usually at a city jail before transfer — check the jail directory for the facility.