FAQs - Bails, Releases and Book and Releases

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Questions

1. Is the bail amount 10% of the total bail?
2. What is bail?
3. Can I bail an inmate out of jail?
4. What is a Cite Release?
5. When can an inmate be Cite Released?
6. Does an inmate due to be released need a ride home?
7. When will an inmate go to court?
8. What is a Book & Release?

Answers

1. Is the bail amount 10% of the total bail?
   

   Bail is the full amount listed for the crime. A bond can be posted in lieu of bail through a licensed bail bonds agency at a cost which is a percentage of the bail.

2. What is bail?
   

   Bail is an amount set by the court for a specific charge, with higher amounts corresponding to the severity of the crime.

3. Can I bail an inmate out of jail?
   

   Unless an inmate has a hold or has a "No Bail Status," bail may be posted by paying to the jail the full amount in U.S. currency, cashier's check, official bank check, certified check, or U.S. Postal Service money order made out to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office. Personal checks or credit cards are not accepted. To post a bond as bail refer to your local telephone book for a list of bail bond agencies. Bail for out-of-county warrants may be posted in the same manner as listed above. Bail releases may take longer if the inmate has been moved to a housing unit. For bail information on an inmate currently in custody call (805) 781-4600.

4. What is a Cite Release?
   

   Generally, a person meeting the jail's criteria is released on fresh misdemeanor charges with a promise to appear in court on the date specified on their release paperwork. No bail payment is required.

5. When can an inmate be Cite Released?
   

   Any person who was arrested for being under the influence or displays symptoms of being under the influence must remain in custody a minimum of 4 hours from arrest time, or longer if necessary until they are deemed sober. All other Cite Releases will be processed as soon as possible.

6. Does an inmate due to be released need a ride home?
   

   Persons who are eligible to be Cite Released after dark are required to have a ride waiting at the jail prior to release, otherwise they stay in jail until daylight. Persons posting bail are released as soon as possible and are expected to make their own transportation arrangements.

7. When will an inmate go to court?
   

   Newly arrested persons are required to be arraigned within 48 hours of their arrest, not counting weekends and holidays. If they are Cite Released or bail out, a future court date is set.

8. What is a Book & Release?
   

   If you have a court order to be booked and released, or you have been issued a citation in lieu of arrest for a recordable offense that requires under California Penal Code Section 853.6 you to be booked and released prior to your scheduled court appearance.

   The San Luis Obispo County Jail offers two options for this process. Either process will require that you bring:

   • Court paperwork or
   • CHP 194 form or the equivalent from another agency
   • Copy of your citation

   Option #1

   You can come to the San Luis Obispo County Jail at any time to be booked and released. This process involves coming into the jail facility and could take up to 3 hours.

   Option #2

   You can make an appointment to be booked and released. Appointments are from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the County Jail Honor Farm. This process will take approximately 30 minutes and you will not be required to enter the jail facility.

   If you chose Option #2, you MUST make an appointment. No walk-ins will be accepted. To make an appointment, call (805) 781-4640 anytime and leave a message. Your call will be returned.