Telling them apart
| Record shows | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| $0 / "cite and release" | Release without payment on a promise to appear | Nothing — confirm the court date |
| "No bail" | A judge must set bail, or the offense is not bailable | Retain counsel for arraignment |
| "Hold" plus an agency name | Probation, parole, another county, or a federal detainer | The hold must clear first |
| A dollar amount | Scheduled bail | A bond can be posted immediately |
| "1275 hold" | Source of bail funds must be proven | See 1275 hold bail bonds |
Why some charges carry no bail
Article I, §12 of the California Constitution makes most offenses bailable, with narrow exceptions: capital crimes, certain violent or sexual felonies where the facts are evident and the presumption great, and cases where there is substantial likelihood of great bodily harm to others. Judges may also hold release pending arraignment where a protective order was violated or a defendant is on active supervision.
- Capital offenses.
- Certain violent felonies and felony sexual assaults, on the constitutional findings.
- Felonies where release poses substantial likelihood of great bodily harm.
- Probation, parole, or out-of-county warrant holds attached behind the local charge.
Zero bail is not a promise
Zero-bail practices were used broadly during the pandemic emergency and have since narrowed and varied by county and by charge. Do not assume a person will be released without payment because they were last time — check the record. Our inmate search is the fastest way, and we will read it for you if you call.