San Antonio TX Bail Schedule and Bond Amounts
Typical bail figures by charge across Texas, plus the factors that push your number up or down.
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If you’re looking for a number, you probably already heard a charge mentioned and you’re trying to figure out what bail is going to cost. The honest answer is that bail amounts in Texas vary, and Bexar County doesn’t publish a single fixed schedule that applies to every case.
Below, we’ll cover how bail amounts actually get set in San Antonio and what typical ranges look like by offense classification. We’ll also walk through what factors push bail higher or lower and how those numbers translate to what you’ll actually pay.
Does Bexar County TX Have a Published Bail Schedule?
Bexar County doesn’t publish a single fixed bail schedule that applies to every case. Instead, magistrate judges set bail within 48 hours of arrest under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 17. They weigh the charge, criminal history, ties to the community, and flight risk when deciding the amount.
Some Texas counties, like Harris County, have published misdemeanor bail schedules with specific dollar amounts tied to specific offenses. Bexar County operates differently. The magistrate has discretion within the framework set by Texas law.
That doesn’t mean amounts are random. There are typical ranges by offense classification that show up consistently across Texas, and those ranges are a reasonable place to set expectations.
Typical Bail Amounts by Offense in Texas
These are typical Texas ranges, not a published Bexar County schedule. The actual amount depends on the case and the magistrate, and individual cases can land outside these bands. They’re a starting point for setting expectations before the number gets set.
| Offense Classification | Typical Bail Range in Texas |
| Class C misdemeanor | Often released on a citation or fine-only |
| Class B misdemeanor | $500 to $5,000 |
| Class A misdemeanor | $1,500 to $15,000 |
| State jail felony | $3,000 to $10,000 |
| Third-degree felony | $10,000 to $30,000 |
| Second-degree felony | $15,000 to $50,000 |
| First-degree felony | $25,000 to $100,000+ |
Class C misdemeanors are usually traffic-level offenses where defendants are released on a citation. Class B and Class A misdemeanors cover things like first-offense DWIs, low-level theft, and certain assault charges. Felony bail tends to climb significantly higher, especially when there’s prior history or aggravating factors involved.
What Pushes Your Bail Higher or Lower
Two people charged with the same offense can end up with very different bail amounts. The magistrate looks at the whole picture, not just the charge. The factors that push bail higher or lower tend to come up across San Antonio courts, though specific weight given to each can vary by judge and case.
On the higher end, prior convictions, current probation or parole status, prior failures to appear, and aggravating circumstances tied to the charge can all push the number up. So can a perceived flight risk, like a defendant with no local ties or a history of moving.
On the lower end, a clean record, steady employment, long-standing local residency, and family ties in Bexar County all help. Defense attorneys can also file motions for bail reduction if the initial amount feels excessive given the circumstances.
What a Bail Bond Actually Costs in San Antonio TX
Once you know the bail amount, the bond cost is easy to estimate. The standard premium for a bail bond in San Antonio is 10% of the bail amount. That 10% is what you actually pay the bondsman, and it’s non-refundable.
So a $5,000 bail means a typical premium of $500. A $20,000 bail means $2,000. A $50,000 bail means $5,000. The math scales directly with the bail amount, which is why even modest jumps in bail have a real impact on what families pay.
In nearly 40 years writing bonds in Bexar County, one thing comes up again and again: what does this actually cost me. Once the bail number is known, the rest of the math is straightforward, and a bondsman can walk you through what makes sense for your situation.
Your Next Step After Bail Is Set
Once bail is set, the next step is figuring out the path forward. If the amount is small and you have the cash on hand, paying the court directly might make sense. For larger bail amounts, going through a licensed bondsman is the more common route.
This is where it helps to have someone who knows Bexar County procedures. A bondsman familiar with the local jail, the magistrate process, and the paperwork involved can usually move faster than someone working it out from scratch.
Whatever path you choose, time matters. Long stays at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center can affect employment, family stability, and the legal case itself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Texas have a single statewide bail schedule?
No. Each Texas county adopts its own bail schedule, and amounts can vary noticeably from one county to another for the same charge.
2. How quickly is bail set after an arrest?
In most Texas counties, a magistrate reviews the case and sets bail within 24 to 48 hours of the arrest. Some counties move faster than others depending on jail and court volume.
3. Can bail be reduced after it’s set?
Yes, in many cases. A defense attorney can file a motion for bail reduction, arguing that the initial amount is excessive given the defendant’s circumstances. The judge has discretion to grant, deny, or modify the request.
4. What does it mean when no bond is set?
Two possibilities. It usually means the charge is serious enough that the magistrate needs more time, or the defendant is being held without bond pending a hearing. Capital offenses and some violent felonies can be denied bond entirely.
Need Help With a San Antonio Bail Bond?
If bail has already been set and you’re trying to figure out how to get a loved one home, knowing the typical ranges is only half the picture. The other half is knowing what your options actually look like once the number is in front of you.
McRae Bail Bonds has been helping San Antonio families work through bail amounts and bond costs for close to 40 years. The company is licensed through the Bexar County Bail Bond Board (license #46), runs 24/7, and offers bilingual support across Bexar and surrounding counties.
If you’ve got questions about a bond amount or want to talk to an experienced San Antonio bail bondsman, call (210) 533-5292. We answer day or night and explain everything before anything is decided.