Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Re: Jail Process

It's normally two court days. However, as I recall they can hold the person for the third day if the D. A. hasn't filed the charges yet.

There is a Bail and Release Officer in the jail (different title in each county) that will make an initial determination of the bail amount (or even if there is to be any bail i. e. release on the promise to appear, O. R.)and actually all the judge (magistrate) does is raise or lower that amount.

You can always call the jail and find out the number for the officer determining the bail amount. And find out from him/her what it is. On misdemeanors an attorney that calls and represents to the officer that he/she has been retained may be able to get the bail dropped to an O. R. release.