How to Post Bail in Tijuana (Carcel de Tijuana)

If someone is detained in Tijuana's municipal jail (Centro de Reinserción Social de Tijuana, commonly called La Mesa), here's the bail (fianza) process:

1. Obtain the Bail Amount – Set by the judge; listed on the orden de aprehensión (arrest order) or available from the court clerk (Juzgado de Control).
2. Hire a Licensed Bail Bondsman (Fiador) – Find one via:
   • Referral from the detainee's attorney (abogado defensor).
   • Directory at the courthouse (Palacio de Justicia, Blvd. Insurgentes).
   • Online: Colegio de Abogados de Baja California listings.
3. Sign the Bail Bond Agreement (Contrato de Fianza) – Specifies:
   • Bail amount.
   • Non-refundable premium (typically 10–15% of bail).
   • Collateral requirements (property, vehicle title, guarantor).
   • Conditions: court appearances, no leaving jurisdiction, check-ins.
4. Pay the Premium – Cash, card, or money order. Get a receipt.
5. Bondsman Posts Bail – They deliver the fianza to the court/jail.
6. Release – Processing takes 2–12 hours after bail is posted. The detainee receives a cita de comparecencia (next court date).

⚠️ Critical Warnings

• No-show = forfeiture: If the defendant misses a hearing, the full bail amount is owed, collateral seized, and a orden de reaprehensión (re-arrest warrant) issued.
• Only licensed fiadores can post surety bonds. Cash bail directly to court is possible but rare for large amounts.
• U.S. citizens: Contact U.S. Consulate General Tijuana (+52-664-977-2000) for attorney referrals and welfare checks.

Mexican criminal procedure (Código Nacional de Procedimientos Penales) is adversarial and fast—secure a local defense attorney immediately.