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May 29, 2026
Need immediate help? Contact The Law Office of Victor Nasser at (310) 903-9721 or schedule a consultation online today.
If you or someone you care about was just arrested in Kern County, you’re probably asking yourself: How do we get out of jail? How long will it take?
The hours after an arrest are confusing and stressful. Call The Law Office of Victor Nasser if you or someone you know has been arrested. We can walk you through the next steps.
What Happens Immediately After an Arrest in Kern County
After an arrest in Bakersfield or anywhere in Kern County, the person is typically taken to a local jail facility for booking. In Kern County, the Lerdo Detention Facility is usually where bookings and pre-trial detentions occur.
During booking:
- Personal information is recorded
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Property is confiscated and logged
Depending on the circumstances, booking can take several hours or longer, especially if the jail is busy or additional review is required.
How Bail Works in Kern County
In many cases, a person can be released from custody by posting bail, which is essentially a financial guarantee that you will return to court.
Kern County follows a standard bail schedule, which assigns a set amount based on the specific charge. More serious charges or multiple charges can result higher bail.
However, not every case is handled the same way. Factors like prior history, the nature of the charges, and whether you are already on probation can all affect whether bail is available and how much it will be.
The 3 Main Ways to Get Out of Jail
- Posting Bail (Cash or Bail Bond) – you can pay the full amount directly to the jail or work with a bail bondsman, who charges a percentage of the total bail.
- Release on Own Recognizance (OR Release) In some cases, a person may be released without paying bail. But this depends on the seriousness of the charges, criminal history, or whether the person is considered a flight risk.
- Court-Ordered Release If bail is not immediately posted, or you are a no bail status, or bail needs to be reviewed, a judge can address release conditions at arraignment, or your defense attorney can file a motion for a bail review hearing. The court may lower bail, modify conditions, or allow release depending on the circumstances.
What to Do Immediately After Release
Getting out of jail is just the beginning. What you do next matters.
Do not miss future court appearances. Avoid future contact with law enforcement. Give your contact information to your attorney so he or she can appear on your behalf.
Most importantly, DO NOT TALK TO ANYONE, other than your attorney, about your case
An arrest can feel overwhelming, but understanding what to expect and taking the right steps early can make a significant difference.
If you or a loved one has been arrested, you don’t have to navigate this process alone. We can help you understand your options immediately after an arrest. We can take actions to protect your rights. And we can build a strong defense from the very beginning.
If you need guidance after an arrest, call The Law Office of Victor Nasser at (310) 903-9721 to speak to our criminal defense team directly about your situation. If you prefer, you can also schedule a confidential consultation today to discuss your case and next steps.
