PC 215 Bail Bonds — Carjacking
Carjacking is a serious violent felony in California. If someone you love was arrested for PC 215, Chad Conley posts bail 24/7 across Southern California.
What Is Penal Code 215?
PC 215 defines carjacking as the taking of a motor vehicle from another person against their will, using force or fear. Unlike auto theft, carjacking requires the victim to be present. It is a felony that carries a sentence of 3, 5, or 9 years in state prison — and significantly more if a weapon was used or someone was injured. Carjacking charges are aggressively prosecuted in all four Southern California counties.
Elements of the Charge
- You took a motor vehicle that was in the possession of another person
- The vehicle was taken from the person's immediate presence
- The taking was against the person's will
- You used force or fear to take the vehicle or prevent resistance
Typical Bail Amounts for PC 215
| Charge / Scenario | Typical Bail |
|---|---|
| Standard carjacking, no weapon | $75,000 |
| Carjacking with firearm (PC 12022.53 enhancement) | $100,000–$200,000 |
| Carjacking causing great bodily injury | $150,000+ |
| Gang-related carjacking (PC 186.22 enhancement) | $200,000+ |
Bail is set by county schedule and can be raised or lowered at arraignment. Enhancements significantly increase bail.
Most of Chad's bonds are written at 6%, 7% or 8%. Smaller bonds, under $20,000, can be up to 10% because of posting fees. On a $75,000 bail, your cost is $7,500. Chad offers payment plans.
What the Family Needs to Know
Carjacking is a strike offense under California's Three Strikes law. Getting your loved one out before arraignment is critical — it gives them time to work with a defense attorney, review surveillance footage and witness statements, and build a proper defense before the case moves forward.
Cosigning a PC 215 Bond
Carjacking charges carry high bail. Chad will need a reliable cosigner and may require collateral. Here's what cosigning means:
What Cosigning Means
- You guarantee the defendant appears at every court date
- If they fail to appear, you are responsible for the full bail amount
- Collateral (vehicle, property, or cash) is typically required on bonds over $75,000
- The premium is non-refundable once the defendant is released
Why Families Choose Chad Conley
24/7 Availability
Violent crime arrests happen at all hours. Chad answers his phone nights, weekends, and holidays.
Four-County Coverage
Chad posts bail in LA, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties.
Payment Plans
High bail doesn't have to be impossible. Chad works with families on down payments and extended plans.
Experience With Serious Charges
Chad has posted bail on hundreds of felony cases and knows how to move quickly on high-bail bonds.
What Happens at Arraignment
For PC 215, prosecutors often push for bail increases at arraignment, especially when weapons or injuries are involved. Being out before this hearing gives the defendant and their attorney time to prepare. Call Chad as soon as the arrest happens.
Call Chad Now — 855-BAD-CHADRelated Resources
Not legal advice. The information on this page is based on Chad Conley's 15+ years as a licensed bail bondsman, plus additional experience as an investigator and bounty hunter and is intended to help families understand the general process. It is not legal advice, and Chad Conley is not an attorney. Every case is different. If you have legal questions about your specific situation, please consult a licensed attorney.