DUI Bail Cost California

A charge of driving while intoxicated, aka DUI, can happen to virtually anyone at any time. While some drivers may not realize it, the DUI can come with serious financial and social consequences. If you or a loved one are currently facing DUI charges in the California area, it’s important to realize that the following costs may apply to your situation:

1. Bail

If you’ve been arrested and charged with a DUI, you may be offered the chance to receive bail. In these cases, a bail bond agency will arrange your bail for only 10% of the full bail amount, allowing your release from jail until your trial. The bail premium is earned as soon as your bail bond is posted, and collateral may also be required.  Monthly payments and even zero down arrangements may be made in most circumstances.

2. Fines and Penalties

Every individual who is arrested for a DUI in California will be facing fines and penalties. Depending on the circumstances of the DUI incident and any prior charges or convictions, a DUI-convicted driver in California may face anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to many thousands of dollars in fines and penalties.

3. Insurance Rates

Drivers convicted of a DUI will always have to face higher auto insurance rates after a conviction. SR-22 insurance is the standard minimum requirement for DUI-convicted drivers, and the rates for SR-22 premiums can often be many hundreds of dollars per month or more.

4. Alcohol Education

In California, as well as in other states across the country, drivers convicted of a DUI may have to take state-sanctioned alcohol education classes in order to reacquire their license to drive. These classes can cost drivers thousands of dollars in the long run, as well as substantial hours of class time.

In addition to the financial costs of a DUI, other costs may be involved, including:

A) Loss of Employment Opportunities

Some individuals who have been charged with or convicted of a DUI face limited employment opportunities. This means that employers may be less likely to hire a person who has a DUI on their criminal record, and some people even go on to lose their current positions as a consequence.

B) Relationship Stress

Another cost of a DUI is the stress it can place on your personal relationships, friendships and more. Many people convicted of a DUI will be unable to maintain regular transportation, and this means asking for rides from others. Over time, this kind of behavior can cause stress on otherwise healthy relationships. Additionally, the financial burdens caused by a DUI can lead to arguments, resentment and fights.

If you plan to drink, the bottom line is this: don’t drive. The costs associated with a DUI, both financial and social, are not worth the simple enjoyment of a night out. If you drink, whether at home or out on the town, always have a designated driver or sober friend or relative around in case you need transportation. If you do find yourself facing a DUI, you or a loved one should contact Bail Hotline as soon as possible, and then contact a qualified California criminal defense lawyer.

San Diego County’s Bail Schedule

Getting arrested in San Diego County is going to be a hassle regardless of the charge, and this holds true in most areas throughout California. Many people that are detained by law enforcement believe that they must sit in jail until they are given a bail hearing, but this is not the case. Most crimes occurring in San Diego County have certain bail amounts attached by statute, which means the majority of people arrested can be released before they ever see a judge. If a person knows how to use these rules to their advantage, they are far more likely to spend very little time in jail.

What is a Bail Schedule?

The county bail schedules are a preset list of bail amounts for any crime that may be committed in a specific area. In the county of San Diego, these bail amounts are chosen by a majority vote in the Superior Court of San Diego County. Once a person is arrested, they may gain their freedom before any hearings by posting these bail amounts. The only downfall in doing this is the fact that a judge could possibly lower a bail amount if a person waits for their initial hearing, but this will likely involve sitting in jail for at least two days. Bail bond agents can secure a person’s release by charging a fee that is only ten percent of the set bail amount, so it is often prudent for an inmate to contact one of these agencies as soon they receive their phone call.

Crimes on the Bail Schedule

San Diego County lists all possible crimes on their bail schedule, including those that require a person to see a judge before being considered for release. One obvious feature of San Diego that can be interpreted simply by looking at the bail schedule is the fact that the ocean is a big part of everyday life. This is shown by the fact that there are five pages in the very beginning of the bail schedule related to fishing, camping and water activities. These bail amounts are often low, and they can drop as low as twenty-five dollars.

Of course, because every possible crime is listed on the bail schedule, there are instances when the schedule requires a person to stand before a judge before being considered for bail. These are usually serious offenses and range from perjury that resulted in an innocent person’s death to treason. Some instances of kidnapping and sexual assault also fall under the “No Bail” section of the San Diego County bail schedule. It is even important to note, in the post-9/11 world, that the charge of using any weapon of mass destruction also brings with it the necessity to stand before a judge before being considered for release.

Specific Bail Amounts

There are some serious offenses that many people don’t know carry high bail amounts. Mayhem, which is the permanent disabling or dismembering of another person, carries with it a $50,000 bail amount. Stalking is another serious offense, and it requires a $100,000 bail amount. Soliciting someone to commit murder also carries with it a steep fine, but the San Diego bail amount is $250,000, much lower than that of some other California counties. Pandering, which is the act of soliciting women to be prostitutes or finding customers for them, is also a serious crime, and carries with it a $50,000 bail amount. If someone is trying to recruit a prostitute under the age of sixteen, bail will jump up to $75,000.

The existence of bail schedules benefits the county and the accused equally. The county is able to save money on the housing of inmates, while an accused person is able to get out of jail quickly and prepare their defense. There are instances in the bail schedule that state a person must go before a judge to be considered for bail, but these are the most serious of crimes and do not affect the majority of those arrested. The best way for an inmate in San Diego County to find out if their offense has a set bail amount is to contact their lawyer or Bail Hotline immediately.

Download San Diego County’s 2012 Bail Schedule here (pdf).

Drunk in Public Arrest California

If you go out with friends or family and have a few drinks in California, but you’re not driving, you may think that you aren’t at risk for facing an alcohol-related arrest. Unfortunately, many people each year find out that, even though they aren’t driving, having a bit too much to drink can lead to a charge of Drunk in Public, also known as DIP or public intoxication.

How a DIP Charge Occurs

The charge of DIP usually happens when a person is intoxicated on a public sidewalk or street, but it could happen in virtually any public place, including parks. Most California police officers and sheriff’s deputies make DIP arrests when an intoxicated individual is impeding the flow of traffic on a public way, or when the person has become a danger to their own safety or the safety of others. In addition, officers are given discretion in issuing these types of charges, and as a result, some intoxicated individuals will be charged with DIP if they simply cause a disturbance.
It Can Only Get Worse

In addition to being charged with DIP, one of the other problems with being intoxicated in public is that it can lead to behavior that may incur additional charges. Often, intoxicated individuals will start fights, make inappropriate remarks or gestures, vandalize property, urinate openly and more. These types of behaviors can then be charged separately on top of the charge of DIP, ultimately compounding the situation.

Getting Back Home

Thankfully, many individuals who are arrested and charged with DIP are offered the opportunity to post bail in order to be released from jail until they go before a judge. In these instances, partnering with a professional bail bond agency is one of the best moves you can make, to ensure a quick release; when you’re intoxicated you are not in control and may otherwise find yourself at the mercy of unruly or hardened criminals. Bail Hotline will work with you to arrange a payment plan that fits your needs and your budget, and will also accept various forms of collateral.
It’s Not Over ‘til It’s Over

If you are offered bail by a judge, keep in mind that being released from jail does not mean that your charges are dismissed. Depending on the specifics of your case and your legal defense strategy, you may still need to appear in court for a trial related to your DIP or other charges, and you may still be convicted. Your bail agreement will also need to be fulfilled whether you are convicted or not. Before agreeing to receive bail from a bonding agency, ensure that you understand its terms and conditions fully.
Remember, alcohol-related offenses don’t always happen while driving; although, in California and other states you can be issued a DUI charge for merely having your keys in the ignition if you’re intoxicated and in your vehicle. You should always exercise caution when drinking, and it’s a good idea to have a sober friend or family member with you if you decide to go out. If you do find yourself facing a DIP or DUI charge, you should then contact a bail bonding agency and a defense attorney for help as soon as possible. 

What is a Misdemeanor Battery Charge

If you have received a call from a family member who has been arrested for misdemeanor battery in California, you are probably going through a roller coaster of different emotions. You might be angry, confused, and fear for the safety of the ones you love – all at the same time. While there is a reason to be emotional, now is the time to get put everything aside and try to understand what the charge means and how serious they really are. By understanding what infractions fall under the penal code of misdemeanor assault and battery, you can educate yourself on possible outcomes and get a little peace of mind.

How Serious is A Charge of Misdemeanor Battery?

Misdemeanor battery, which is more commonly referred to as “simple battery” in the state of California, classifies a number of different infractions. In some cases, simple battery can fall under domestic battery. This occurs when the incident happened between two individuals who live in the same home – regardless of whether or not they are involved in a romantic relationship.

A victim can file a battery complaint if any type of unwanted physical touching was involved. This can include slapping, pushing, kicking, and even spitting. It is important to keep in mind that there are different sections of the code that include battery causing serious bodily injury, as well as domestic battery, which carry more serious penalties and punishments.
Potential Penalties and Punishments in California

The penalties an accuser faces for a simple battery charge can vary. The details of the case, as well as the defendant’s criminal history, will all come into play when the judge is deciding on a punishment. If you face a misdemeanor charge, you can expect that all of the following may apply:

* Probation of up to 3 years. If you break the law within this period, you will serve the suspended sentence for the batter charge.
* Serve up to 6 months in a county jail in San Diego.
* A fine of up to $2000.
* An order to complete a batterer’s program or a specific number of days of community service.
* Restitution to the victim up to the amount ordered by the judge.

Generally, if there is not seriously bodily injury involved, the charges will be considered a misdemeanor. The maximum jail sentence for any misdemeanor battery charge is one year in jail.

Options of Defense

You can see that even misdemeanor battery charges are taken very seriously in the state of California. This is why most people choose to fight the charges so they will not appear on their record. The accused may hire an attorney, develop a defense strategy, and attempt to have the charges reduced or dropped. Some of the various defense strategies include:

* self-defense
* consent
* accidental contact

Fighting your case from behind bars can be very difficult. If you want to give your loved one the best chance, you should always consider bailing them out of jail so that they can prepare for trial as a free citizen. Not only does bail help the defendant get ready for trial, it also gives them a chance to work and take care of their obligations while they are awaiting their trial date. 

Legal Advice for DUI

Being convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) can lead to serious financial and criminal penalties. Many people believe that when they are pulled over and have over a .08 percent blood alcohol content (BAC) that they are pretty much convicted and have to face the consequences, but this is not always the case.

There are several legitimate defenses against a DUI charge, but it will usually take a lawyer to figure out the best direction for a specific case. There are some steps that a person should take before they have their first legal consultation, and there are a few things they should be prepared for when they make it to this consultation.

Step One: Get Out of Jail

Getting out of jail quickly is the first step in preparing for an initial legal consultation. It would be difficult for anyone to work on a suitable defense while confined to a jail cell. The State is going to try its best to get a person accused of a DUI in front of a judge with only a public defender. These scenarios are adversarial in nature, and the accused has very little power when standing before a judge.

Due to the intense pressure a defendant faces in this situation, they will often incriminate themselves or fold to a guilty plea under pressure. For this reason, it is important that a person get out of jail before standing before a judge. DUIs are usually listed on a county’s bail schedule, so a person can get out on bail or contact a bond agency to get out of jail before being powerlessly thrust in front of a court.

Step Two: Consultation with a Private Attorney

A good attorney is going to do everything within their power to help their client avoid any punitive consequences, but they cannot do it on their own. A person charged with a DUI needs to come fully prepared to their initial consultation to ensure their lawyer has the right ammunition to keep them out of trouble. The accused should know their blood alcohol content (BAC) and the exact reason the police officer reported stopping them for.  The defendant also needs to know which court he is scheduled to appear in and at what time.

Usually, an attorney can attend the first appearance in front of a judge in lieu of his client. This is very helpful considering the fact that a person will not have to take time off work or from family obligations to stand before a judge and hear the charges against them. If a person accused of a DUI comes fully prepared to their initial legal consultation, their attorney can usually handle the rest.

Take Your Best Shot

Be aware that the State is going to do everything in its power to make a person quickly plead guilty to a case, and they will often make veiled threats to influence this course of action. Luckily, if a person is able to get out of jail on a bond, they will have a legitimate chance of fighting the system.

A private attorney will have many ways to defend you, which you may never have dreamed was possible.  With the public defenders workloads heavier than ever in the current economy, it leaves little time to more then go through the standard paces with each defendant.  Since a DUI on your record can affect your life in so many ways, for so many years, you will want all the possible cards stacked in your favor.

 

Misdemeanor DUI vs. Felony DUI

Driving under the influence (DUI) is considered a serious crime in the state of California, but being charged with the crime is not an automatic conviction. Legitimate lawyers know that there are some, although very few, justifiable defenses for a charge of DUI. A person may face either a misdemeanor or a felony DUI indictment, and there are stark differences between the two.

The most important thing for anyone accused of drinking and driving to do is to get out of jail quickly so they can prepare their defense, because it will likely not be an easy one.

Misdemeanor DUI

A person who is charged with fewer than four DUIs in a ten-year period will usually always be charged with a misdemeanor, but the consequences of these repeat offenses get harsher after every conviction. These DUIs usually result from a person swerving on the road, failing a field sobriety test or having a blood alcohol content (BAC) over the legal limit. A person could face up to six months in jail for just their first offense.

After standing before a judge, a person could face a bail amount up to $25,000, dependent on their circumstances. Because of this, it is important for anyone accused of DUI to contact a bail bond agent as soon as possible. These agents are able to post bail according to the set bail schedule within hours. The bail schedule amount will usually be lower than what a judge puts forth, because the judge will have no time to consider any aggravating circumstances having to do with the case.

Felony DUI

A person who has already been convicted of three DUIs in a 10-year period faces a felony DUI if they are charged a fourth time. A person can also be charged with a felony on their first offense, if their DUI results in the injury of another person. A felony DUI conviction carries with it a minimum of 180 days in jail and serious fines and penalties. Their license can also be revoked for four years at this point. The consequences of a felony DUI far outweigh those of a misdemeanor DUI.

A person needs to be able to work freely with their lawyer in an effort to get a felony DUI either reduced or dropped altogether, and this is quite a difficult job from the confines of a jail cell. Bail can be set as high as $50,000 for a felony DUI charge, and this usually leaves people sitting in jail until their trial. Bail Hotline agents can secure a person’s release for only a ten percent fee of the set bail amount, and can help with payment plans, collateral arrangement and even zero-money-down loans – whatever it takes to secure bond.

Freedom Helps Your Defense

Sitting in jail awaiting trial is the worst possible thing a person can do when charged with any type of DUI. Unfortunately, due to the current California budget crisis, there are fewer public defenders, and it is their job to help get cases in and out of the court as quickly as possible. This means the State will often use the hostile environment of a courtroom and threats of imprisonment to get a person to quickly plead guilty. This is the worst-case scenario if you are arrested for DUI, considering the fines and penalties associated with felony and misdemeanor DUIs.

Getting out of jail quickly and securing a good lawyer are the best ways to lessen the impact a DUI can have on your life. It also allows you to get your life back into some semblance of order; attending school, showing up to work, interacting normally with family and friends.  When it comes time to argue your defense, the attorney wants to be able to show your credibility, and your lack of threat to the community at large.

 

How to Bail Someone Out of Jail

Getting arrested is a nerve-racking experience for anyone that has to go through it. The first thing on most people’s minds after their arrest is, “When am I going to get out?” Luckily for many, getting out of jail is not too hard of a task to accomplish. The United States Constitution guarantees a person’s right to a non-excessive bail amount, and this guarantee ensures that most people have the chance to get out of jail quickly. Knowing how the system works is where your bail agent comes in – with the ability to get you released within a matter of hours instead of days.

After Being Detained

The first thing a person charged with a crime will go through is being arrested. In many cases, this can be the most distressful part of the entire case. Police will escort an accused person to central booking where they will be fingerprinted, have their photograph taken and be put into a holding cell. A person is usually allowed a phone call after being booked into jail. This call can be to anyone, but there are only a few people that should be contacted if a person is trying to get out of jail quickly.

Who to Call for Bail

In most instances, crimes have a set bail amount, which is listed on each county’s bail schedule. This is a set total for anyone who commits a particular crime. These bail amounts are probably going to seem excessive, mostly due to the fact that America has some of the highest bail amounts in the world. A person can always call their family and hope that they have the amount needed for bail, but this is highly unlikely on such short notice. This usually leads the accused to contact a bail bondsman. These bail agents only require a fee equal to ten percent of the bail schedule amount for posting a surety bond for your release.

Getting Bonded Out

Most legitimate bail agents will visit their clients in jail, free of charge, to discuss their release. Many people believe that they must pay a bail bondsman’s entire fee up front, but this is not the case. Most agents allow zero down payments and long term payment plans, and this gives just about everybody the chance to get out of jail quickly. In situations where agents don’t take an upfront payment, it may be necessary to provide some type of collateral, but the pledged property will never be in any danger as long as the accused makes their court dates.

The facial expressions on thousands of mug shots show the level of worry a person feels when they are initially arrested. The best thing any person should do in this situation is to try to remain calm. In all likelihood, a set amount exists on the bail schedule for their charge that will allow bail to be posted. Luckily, in most situations, the legal system is set up to get people home as quickly as possible – the jails are usually overcrowded, and this will generally increase the chances of a faster release.

 

Consequences of a DUI

What Exactly is DUI?

Driving under the influence (DUI) leads to more arrests than any other crime in California. A DUI can lead to several harsh consequences, including jail time. An arrest for a DUI often leads to a long line of problems for a person both before and after their sentencing. Most believe that they know what a DUI charge entails, but many people don’t know that a person doesn’t even have to have a single alcoholic beverage in their system to be charged with the crime. Knowing exactly what is considered a DUI in the state of California is the best way to protect oneself from harsh penalties.

The Legal Definition

Most people know the old rule that having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher can land a person in jail for driving under the influence, but there are other nuances to the law that many people do not know about. A person under the age of twenty-one, for instance, can receive a DUI if they blow a .01 into a “breathalyzer.” This means a person under the legal drinking age can be arrested for a DUI if they have any trace of alcohol in their system at all while driving.

It is also important to note that a person doesn’t have to have any trace of alcohol in their system to receive a DUI. California law states that if a person under the influence of any drug is operating a vehicle, they may be charged with a DUI if they can’t operate it at the level that a completely sober person would. This can be caused by illegal drugs, prescription drugs or even over the counter medications. The effects of a DUI charge based on drug use are just as harsh as a regular DUI conviction.

Consequences of a DUI

There are several harsh consequences that a person faces if they are convicted of a DUI charge. After only one DUI offense a person may face up to six months in jail, a twenty-six hundred dollar fine, a license suspension lasting up to ten months and the requirement to install an interlock ignition device. All of these consequences are very costly, and they get worse if a person has already been convicted of a prior DUI.

A conviction of driving under the influence can also affect a person’s job, family and future. Being sentenced to even a few days in jail will cause a person to miss time at work. Many bosses will not take kindly to a person missing work over a DUI. The fines related to a DUI conviction can also hinder a person’s ability to pay their bills and take care of their family. One of the most obstructing consequences of a DUI is that it shows up on a person’s criminal record. Even though many job applications state that a conviction will not necessarily bar a person from employment, it will definitely be considered when a manager is deciding whom to hire.

Urgency of Defense

Because of these harsh consequences, it is important for a person to get out of jail as soon as possible and start preparing their defense. Regardless of what many people believe, there are legitimate defenses against a DUI charge, but building a defense case from the confines of a jail cell will be difficult for anyone. DUI offenses are usually listed on a county’s bail schedule, which means a person can often get out of jail on bond before ever seeing a judge. Bail bond agents can usually have a person out of jail within a couple of hours of being contacted. This means a person might not miss any work, and will have plenty of time to contact a lawyer and prepare a defense before being arraigned.

Being convicted of a DUI will seriously affect a person’s life now and in the future. It is important to know that a person doesn’t have to be seriously intoxicated by alcohol to receive a DUI conviction in the state of California. Many people believe that once they are arrested for this crime that they have no choice but to plead guilty and move on with their lives, but this is not the case. There are legitimate defenses against DUI charges, but it is imperative that a person contacts a bail bond agent to get out of jail as quickly as possible so that they can begin their defense.

How Long Does it Take to See a Judge

Getting arrested starts an entire series of hardships and consequences that a person must face. People are often left sitting in jail waiting to see a judge so that they can learn their bail amount, but this is not always necessary. Regardless of the situation, there are standards in the legal systems of most states and localities that dictate how long a person will be in jail before seeing a judge. People being held on Federal charges actually have a law on their side stating when their arraignment must take place. There are circumstances when a person can get out of jail before seeing a judge, but people usually can’t take advantage of these legal nuances if they do not know of them.

How Long Before Seeing a Judge

There is no set federal law that tells states and localities when they must arraign a defendant, but most areas provide the accused with their first appearance in front of a judge between forty-eight and seventy-two hours after booking. This time frame will vary greatly dependent on how busy a specific jail is and on when a person was arrested. Many areas do not hold court on the weekends or holidays, so if a person is arrested around either of these times, they may be held for a bit longer than usual.

If a person is arrested on federal charges then federal law requires they be given their initial arraignment within forty-eight hours of their arrest. This will also vary if a person is arrested on the weekend or holiday, but the time doesn’t exceed seventy-two hours. In both local and federal courts, a person is informed of the crime they are being charged with and expected to enter a plea. If a person enters a “guilty” or “nolo contendere” plea, then they may be sentenced immediately. If a “not guilty” plea is entered then the judge will inform the defendant of the bail amount, if any, that they must post before leaving jail.

Getting Out Before Seeing a Judge

Once a person goes before a judge and is given a specific bail amount, they can get out of jail as soon as they post that amount. It isn’t, however, always necessary for a person to wait in jail before seeing a judge. In most areas, certain crimes have a preset bail amount, known as a bail schedule, which can be posted before a person ever sees a judge. In these instances the defendant can be released without ever seeing the inside of a courtroom.

Bail amounts, even preset ones, may seem excessive, but bail costs in America are high in general. If a person has the available funds to post their own bail then they may do so. In most cases, however, a person will likely be better off if they contact a bail bondsman. These bondsmen are usually able to get a person released from jail within hours of being contacted. If a person is able to use a bail agency, they may be out of jail before missing any work at all. Bail agents only charge a ten percent fee of the bail amount, so they are much cheaper than if a person tried to post their own bail.

Going to jail is a stressful situation for anyone. It can affect a person’s job, family and freedom. Seeing a judge for arraignment is the right of every person accused of a crime, but the time frame in which this occurs is usually in a gray area in local matters. A person who knows their rights is far more likely to get out of jail in a short amount of time. Many crimes carry with them set bail amounts; this means bail bondsmen can have a person out of jail in a matter of hours. It is important that a person contact a bond agency as soon as they get their phone call after arrest to see if their charge has a set bond amount. If it does, then a person can continue with the responsibilities in their lives without allowing their arrest to seriously affect them.

 

How to Survive a Night in Jail

Going to jail is a stressful event for anyone. Even an arrest for a minor crime can lead to a night in the county lockup. If you are arrested you definitely want to take advantage of your phone call as soon as possible and contact a bail bondsmen. These bail agents are often able to secure a person’s release in only a few hours. This could get a person out of a holding cell before they are even put into general population.

The eighth amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees bail for almost anybody, so it is important to use this right as quickly as possible. If you aren’t able to secure bail immediately, and you end up in jail with other inmates, here are a few simple ways to ensure you survive the night without any serious consequences.

Don’t Resist Officers

Resisting police demands is one of the quickest ways to get hurt while spending a night in jail. Officer demands may seem trivial, and sometimes even unfair, but it is important to follow these commands to the letter. Showing any physical resistance or even disrespect can lead to an officer getting physical with you.

It may not be right, but getting officers removed from their posts for using excessive force is a difficult and time-consuming venture that often ends in the officer’s favor. It is best to do what they say when they say it. You will not be in jail for long, so it is a small price to pay to not be hurt.

Request a Single Cell

If a single cell is available you should request that cell. While most inmates mean you absolutely no harm, there will always be at least one bad apple in the bunch. The chances of you ending up in a cell with that bad apple are slim, but there is still the possibility. Don’t demand that officers give you an empty cell, because they don’t legally have to. Make the request in the friendliest way you possibly can.

Become an Island

Keeping to yourself is one of the best ways to ensure your safety while in jail. Don’t appear to be scared of other inmates, just look as if you aren’t interested in making conversation with anyone. If someone does ask you a question, however, make sure that you answer it. If you don’t answer then you may come off as rude, and that information will assuredly make its way around the jail unit. Answer any questions with a short and quick response while trying to sound friendly. It is also important to not accept favors. Another inmate may appear to be nice and inviting, but he may use any accepted favor as ammunition to get something he wants later.

Try not to Sleep

If you do end up in a shared cell then you should probably come to terms with the fact that you may not be getting any sleep that night. While most people in county jail are only there for minor offenses, there are still inmates who may try to hurt you when you’re vulnerable. Stay awake in your cell with your back against the wall. Even if there are violent offenders who want to test you, at least you will not be sleeping if they try.

Going through a night in jail is likely going to be a taxing event on anyone. County jail isn’t the same as prison, so there will be far fewer people around you that are willing to cause you harm. Even with this being the case, there are still bad people in every jail unit in the country. In California, even a minor probation violation will lead officers to put you back into county intake. Speaking with a bail bondsman before being put into the regular population is the best option for surviving jail, but even if you can’t get out quickly, these tips will help make sure that you do get out safely.