Theft & Burglary Bail in Contra Costa County, CA: How It's Handled
A theft & burglary arrest in Contra Costa County moves through Martinez Detention Facility and the Contra Costa Superior Court. Here's how the charge is typically handled, what bail to expect, and how to get your loved one home fast.
How Theft & Burglary Charges Are Handled in Contra Costa County
Theft and burglary charges span a wide range in California. Proposition 47 reclassified theft of property valued under $950 as petty theft — a misdemeanor — while first-degree residential burglary remains a serious felony with high bail.
When someone is arrested for theft & burglary in Contra Costa County, they're booked into Martinez Detention Facility (or, depending on the location and capacity, West County Detention Facility). The charge is a misdemeanor (under $950, after Prop 47) or a felony, and the path the case takes depends on the specifics — the evidence, the defendant's criminal history, and whether prosecutors file misdemeanor or felony counts.
Typical Bail for Theft & Burglary in Contra Costa County
Shoplifting or petty theft under $950 is typically a misdemeanor with low or no bail. Felony burglary — especially residential — can carry bail of $50,000 or more. Commercial burglary and grand theft fall somewhere in between, and prior strikes can increase the amount under the Three Strikes law.
Contra Costa County uses the California bail schedule as a starting point, and judges can adjust the amount up or down based on the defendant's flight risk, community ties, and record. For most families, the practical question isn't the full bail amount — it's the 10% premium a bondsman charges to post the bond, and whether a payment plan is available.
Booking at Martinez Detention Facility
After arrest, the defendant is transported to Martinez Detention Facility for booking — fingerprinting, photographs, a background check, and entry of the charges into the county system. Booking can take several hours depending on how busy the facility is and the time of day.
You don't have to wait for booking to finish before calling a bondsman. The bail paperwork can often begin while booking is still in progress, which is one of the few things on your side of the process you can control.
Posting Bail for a Theft & Burglary Charge
Once bail is set, a licensed bondsman posts the full amount with the court on your behalf for a 10% premium (a discounted 8% rate is available for qualified clients, with special promotional rates for attorney-referred clients). A strong co-signer — someone with stable income, a fixed address, and a relationship with the defendant — can often secure the bond with just a signature, no collateral required.
We offer 0% interest payment plans so you don't have to pay the full premium upfront. The price we quote is the price you pay — no hidden fees, ever.
Court Dates and Release Conditions
After release, the case moves through the Contra Costa Superior Court. The defendant must attend every scheduled hearing. Stay-away orders from the alleged victim's property or the business involved are common. Restitution is often a condition of release or resolution.
We help our clients track court dates and send reminders, because the bond stays active until the case closes — not just until the defendant walks out of Martinez Detention Facility.
Get Help with Theft & Burglary Bail in Contra Costa County
If someone you know is being held at Martinez Detention Facility on a theft & burglary charge, one call starts the process. We serve families across Contra Costa County and all of California with licensed, bilingual agents available 24 hours a day.
Call 619-862-7872 now — a licensed bail agent will answer, explain your options, and start the release paperwork immediately.
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