The California minimum premium is 10% of the cost of bail. A 0% bond spreads that premium into a plan with nothing down to begin — qualifying applicants pay 3% within 10 days, with the balance divided monthly over a maximum of 12 months.
Who qualifies
Qualifying requires legal California residency and two indemnitors with proof of employment, proof of residency, approved credit, and valid California IDs. Each indemnitor’s annual income must exceed the total bail amount. The program is for first-time offenders only, before arraignment, and the defendant must be located in Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, San Diego, or Los Angeles County.
Eligible and ineligible charges
Eligible charges include PC 243(e)(1), PC 273.5(a), PC 273.5, PC 422, PC 69, PC 148, PC 245, and VC 23153(a) & (b). Misdemeanors such as DUI and protective-order violations typically range $5,000–$10,000; felonies range $10,000–$200,000 depending on severity. Ineligible cases include PC 530.5, all Health & Safety codes, PC 29800, any defendant with a strike, PC 496(a), PC 487, immigration bonds, federal cases, prostitution, pimping, pandering, receiving stolen property, petty theft, bond surrenders, warrants, and PC 1275.
Watch the rate
California Insurance Code § 1800 caps the bail premium at 10% of the face amount of the bond — that’s the legal ceiling, not the minimum. Anything above 10% is illegal. Walk away from any bondsman who quotes above the cap, demands wired money before paperwork is signed, has no California Department of Insurance license number visible, or pressures you to decide in under a minute. A real bondsman walks the family through the math.
Common questions about 0% bail bonds
What does a 0% bail bond mean?
It means a payment plan for the bail bond premium with no money down to begin. For qualifying applicants on approved credit, you start the release without a down payment, then pay 3% within ten days and spread the balance over monthly installments.
Is a 0% bail bond really free?
No. The bond still costs the standard premium set by law; “0%” refers only to there being nothing due up front. In California the premium is capped at 10% of the bail amount (Insurance Code §1800), and a 0% plan spreads that over time, interest-free on approved credit, up to twelve months.
Who qualifies for 0% down?
You’ll need to be a legal California resident and a first-time offender, still before arraignment, with the case in Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, San Diego or Los Angeles County. It also takes two co-signers, each with proof of employment, proof of residency, a valid California ID, approved credit, and an annual income above the total bail amount.
Which charges are eligible for a 0% plan?
Many common misdemeanors and felonies qualify, such as DUI and protective-order violations. Some cases are not eligible, including theft and stolen-property charges, immigration and federal cases, any defendant with a strike, and warrants. The fastest way to know is to call us with the charge and county.
How is 0% different from your 1% plan?
Both let you start without paying the full premium. With 1%, you pay 1% of the bail to begin; with 0%, there’s nothing down and you pay 3% within ten days, then monthly. Which one fits depends on the case and your situation, and we’ll walk you through both on the phone.
How do I know a “no money down” offer is legitimate?
California law caps the bail premium at 10% of the bond (Insurance Code §1800). That’s the ceiling, not a starting point. Be cautious of any bondsman who quotes above the cap, asks for money wired before paperwork is signed, shows no California Department of Insurance license number, or pressures you to decide in under a minute. A real bondsman explains the full plan before you commit.