Murder In Roseville: Navigating California PC 187

Being accused of Murder under California Penal Code 187 is one of the most serious situations a person and their family can face. The shock of an Arrest, the involvement of the Sheriff, and the uncertainty around the Bail Amount can make everything feel unreal—especially in the first 24–48 hours.

This blog is a plain-English guide to California Penal Code 187, what the law generally means, how a case can move forward in Roseville California, and what to expect when bail is discussed. We’ll also explain how Bail Bonds, a Bailbond, and a trusted bail Bondsman/Bail Agent may help if bail is allowed and set by the court.

Note: This is general information, not legal advice. If someone is facing a PC 187 case, speaking with a qualified criminal defense attorney immediately is critical.

What Is California Penal Code 187?

California Penal Code 187 defines Murder as “the unlawful killing of a human being, or a fetus, with malice aforethought.” Justia Law

That definition matters because PC 187 is about more than the fact that a death occurred. The prosecution typically focuses on the mental state—what the law calls “malice aforethought.” Under California law, there are also specific carve-outs related to fetal death in certain situations. Justia Law

In everyday terms: PC 187 is the statute prosecutors use when they believe a killing was unlawful and involved the level of intent or disregard required for murder (as opposed to an accident or a lesser homicide charge).

Murder vs. Other Homicide Charges (Why the Label Matters)

Not every death-related case is filed as murder. California law recognizes different categories of homicide. While this blog focuses on PC 187, it helps to understand why prosecutors choose the “murder” charge:

• Murder (PC 187): Allegation includes malice aforethought. Justia Law

• Manslaughter (generally): Often involves a killing without malice, such as certain heat-of-passion situations or criminal negligence scenarios. (A defense attorney can explain how this applies to a specific case.)

Why this matters for families: the charge level can influence everything—possible custody status, court conditions, media attention, and whether bail is available.

What Triggers a PC 187 Arrest in Roseville California?

In Roseville California, a murder investigation may involve multiple agencies depending on where and how the event occurred. You may hear about detectives, local police involvement, and the Sheriff (especially if the case moves through county custody and court processes).

A PC 187 case often starts with:

• An emergency response and scene investigation

• Witness interviews and video review

• Forensic work and medical examiner findings

• Search warrants and digital evidence collection

Sometimes an arrest happens quickly. Other times, cases are built over days or weeks.

If an Arrest is made, the person is typically booked, processed, and held pending a bail decision or court appearance.

First 48 Hours After an Arrest: What Families Usually Face

After a PC 187 arrest, the “what now?” questions come fast:

1. Where are they being held?

2. When is the first court appearance?

3. Is bail possible—or is it “no bail”?

4. If bail is possible, what is the Bail Amount?

5. How do Bail Bonds work if the bail is extremely high?

For serious charges, it’s common for courts to take public safety and appearance risk very seriously when deciding custody and release conditions. California’s Constitution outlines situations where a person may be held without bail, including capital crimes and certain violent felony situations when specific findings are made. Justia Law

Is Bail Allowed for California Penal Code 187?

This is one of the biggest questions in any murder case, and the honest answer is: it depends on how the case is filed and what the court finds.

1) California’s Constitutional Rules on Bail

California generally provides for release on bail, but there are constitutional exceptions. The California Constitution allows denial of bail for:

• Capital crimes when “the facts are evident or the presumption great,” and

• Certain felony offenses involving acts of violence when the required legal findings are made. Justia Law

2) “Punishable by Death” Rule

California law also states that a defendant charged with an offense punishable with death cannot be admitted to bail when “the proof… is evident or the presumption… great.” Justia Law

3) County Bail Schedules Often List Murder as “No Bail”

Many California counties publish bail schedules that list presumptive bail amounts for many crimes. In Sacramento County’s schedule (updated November 2025), PC 187 to 189 (Murder, First Degree / Murder, Second Degree) is listed as “No Bail.” Sacramento Superior Court

Important: Bail schedules and practices can vary by county, and a judge can set or review bail depending on the situation. In a PC 187 case, it is common for bail to be denied initially or treated as “no bail until set by a judge,” depending on local procedure and the case’s allegations. Justia Law+1

If Bail Is Set: Why the Bail Amount Can Be Extremely High

When a court does set bail in a murder case, the Bail Amount may be extremely high due to:

• The seriousness of the charge

• Concerns about community safety

• Risk of flight (not returning to court)

• Prior record, warrants, or prior failures to appear

• The court’s view of the evidence at that stage Justia Law

This is also why families often look into Bail Bonds if bail is permitted—because paying the full amount in cash may be unrealistic.

How Bail Bonds Work (When Bail Is Allowed)

If bail is allowed and a bail amount is set, a family may choose:

• Cash bail (paying the full Bail Amount to the court), or

• Working with a Bail Agent / bail Bondsman to secure a Bailbond (a surety bond)

A Bailbond is designed to help someone secure release without posting the full bail in cash. Instead, a bond is posted through the bail company, subject to legal requirements and the court’s approval.

With a PC 187 case, it’s especially important to understand that release—if it happens—often comes with strict conditions and intense court scrutiny.

What NOT to Do After a Murder Arrest (Family Guidance)

When emotions are high, people accidentally make things harder. A few simple rules help protect everyone:

• Don’t discuss details on recorded calls. Jail calls are often monitored.

• Don’t pressure witnesses or try to “fix” the story. That can create new criminal exposure.

• Don’t miss court dates. Missing court can lead to warrants and harsher decisions later.

• Do consult a defense attorney immediately. A PC 187 case is not the time to wait.

What to Expect Moving Forward

Every case is different, but families commonly see steps like:

• First appearance / arraignment

• Bail review or detention hearings (if applicable)

• Protective orders or no-contact orders

• Evidence review, investigation, and motion practice

• Negotiations or trial preparation

Because PC 187 is so serious, the court process tends to move carefully and intentionally.

Q&A: California Penal Code 187, Bail, and the Process

1) What is California Penal Code 187?

PC 187 is California’s murder law. It defines Murder as the unlawful killing of a human being (or a fetus) with malice aforethought. Justia Law

2) Is bail always denied for a murder arrest?

Not always, but it’s common for murder to be treated as “no bail” at first, and California law allows denial of bail in certain serious situations. Justia Law+2Sacramento Superior Court+2

3) Why can the bail amount be so high in PC 187 cases?

Courts consider public safety, seriousness, record, and likelihood of appearing in court when setting bail. Justia Law

4) If bail is set, can a family use Bail Bonds?

If bail is allowed and set by the court, families may explore Bail Bonds through a Bail Agent or bail Bondsman to secure a Bailbond rather than paying the full Bail Amount in cash.

5) What should a family do first after an arrest?

Confirm where the person is being held, avoid discussing case details on recorded calls, and contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Then, if bail is allowed, talk to a reputable bail provider about options.

What Makes Bail House Bail Bonds Stand Out in Roseville California

When your family is dealing with an arrest—especially for something as serious as Murder—you need clarity and professionalism. Bail House Bail Bonds stands out in Roseville California because they focus on fast communication, respect, and helping families understand the process without adding confusion.

Here’s what people value most:

• Clear explanations in a stressful moment: Families get straight answers about what a Bail Amount means, what paperwork is needed, and what to expect next.

• Reliable support from start to finish: When a case is urgent, responsiveness matters.

• Professional, confidential service: Your situation is treated with discretion and respect.

• Local experience in the Roseville area: Knowing how local procedures typically flow helps avoid delays and mistakes.

If bail is allowed and a bond can be posted, Bail House Bail Bonds works quickly to help families move from panic to a plan—step by step.

All Things Considered 

A California Penal Code 187 charge is life-changing. If an Arrest happens in Roseville California, the first priorities are safety, legal counsel, and understanding whether bail is even possible under the circumstances. California’s bail rules include exceptions for serious crimes, and many bail schedules list murder as “No Bail,” making early court hearings and legal strategy especially important. Justia Law+2Sacramento Superior Court+2

If bail is permitted and a Bail Amount is set, Bail House Bail Bonds can help you understand the next steps and—when legally possible—secure release using a Bailbond with professionalism and discretion.