Proposition 47 and Bail: What Changed in California
Proposition 47 reshaped California's criminal system in 2014 by reclassifying several offenses as misdemeanors. Here's how it changed bail for drug possession and low-level theft.
What Proposition 47 did
Passed by voters in 2014, Proposition 47 reduced several non-violent offenses from felonies to misdemeanors. The two most common are simple drug possession for personal use and theft of property valued under $950 (petty theft).
The change meant that thousands of cases that once carried felony bail amounts — and the risk of state prison — now move through the system as misdemeanors with much lower or no bail.
How it affects bail amounts
Because simple drug possession and petty theft under $950 are now misdemeanors, many defendants in these cases are released on their own recognizance with no bail, or with bail set at a few thousand dollars. The high felony bail amounts that used to apply are gone for these specific charges.
That said, possession for sale, transportation of drugs, and theft over $950 remain felonies with potentially high bail — and Prop 47 did not change those.
What it means for families
For low-level charges, Prop 47 often means a faster, less expensive path home. But a misdemeanor still requires court appearances, and missing them can trigger a bench warrant and bond forfeiture just like a felony.
If you're not sure whether a charge was reduced by Prop 47, a bondsman can help you understand what to expect — though the specific charging decision is the prosecutor's, and legal strategy is your attorney's.
Need help right now?
We answer every call, any hour. Let's get your loved one home — fast.
Call Now · 24/7