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HomePenal CodeBail Bond Acceptance RulesPRELIMINARY PROVI...Ch. 1Art. 1§ 1269 Bail Bond Acceptance Rules

§ 1269 Bail Bond Acceptance Rules

Penal Code·California
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§ 1269 Bail Bond Acceptance Rules

This law explains how bail works. It says a court can take money or a promise from someone to make sure the accused person shows up in court. If the bail paper is lost, the court can use its records as proof.

Key Takeaways

  • •Bail is money or a promise to make sure someone comes to court.
  • •The court keeps a record of who paid bail and how much.
  • •If the bail paper is lost, the court’s records can prove it existed.
  • •After 3 years, the court can destroy old bail papers.

Example

John gets arrested and his friend pays $5,000 to the court to let John go free until his trial.

The court writes down the bail amount and who paid it. If the bail paper gets lost, the court can still prove the bail was paid using its records. After 3 years, if the case is over, the court can destroy the bail paper.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 1269 Bail Bond Acceptance Rules

The taking of bail consists in the acceptance, by a competent court or magistrate, of the undertaking of sufficient bail for the appearance of the defendant, according to the terms of the undertaking, or that the bail will pay to the people of this state a specified sum. Upon filing, the clerk shall enter in the register of actions the date and amounts of such bond and the name or names of the surety or sureties thereon. In the event of the loss or destruction of such bond, such entries so made shall be prima facie evidence of the due execution of such bond as required by law. Whenever any bail bond has been deposited in any criminal action or proceeding in a municipal or superior court or in any proceeding in habeas corpus in a superior court, and it is made to appear to the satisfaction of the court by affidavit or by testimony in open court that more than three years have elapsed since the exoneration or release of said bail, the court must direct that such bond be destroyed.

Last verified: February 26, 2026

Related Statutes

  • § 11006 Attorney General Peace Officer Hiring
  • § 11008 Peace Officer Training Schools
  • § 11010 Terrorism Evidence Handling Standards
  • § 1268 Bail Admission Procedures
  • § 1269a Bail Release Requirements

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Penal Code. Section 1269.
View Official Source