Your post was about as clear as mud. So I hope this is what you're looking for. Don't get so hot at everyone for being negative. From what I can decipher from your post, your "Buddy" was doing some very negative shit, and most people aren't down with that, clean record or no. If he was doing the window breaking, he deserves a night or 2 in jail so that Bubba can show him the error of his ways in a very personal and intimate manner.
I'm sure that there IS a bond. There is a "set" bond written into the states statutes for all misdemeanors, and nonviolent, non capital felony offenses. It's gonna be somewhat high. They MUST get him before a judge within 72 hours for arraignment, at which time the judge can reduce or increase the bond. Generally, for a misdemeanor, and that sound like what your boy is dealing with, in most jurisdictions, he'll go before a magistrate for him to set a bond. Usually within 8 or so hours of arrest. (Here at least)
There is definately more to this story. NOBODY spends the night in jail for vandalism or malicious mischief. And usually if your buddy DOES spend the night in jail, with a misdemeanor, he'll usually get out on ROR unless he's homeless or lives out of state, or is a habitual resident at the jail.
Call the booking desk and ask what the bond is. I believe you'll find that there is a bond.
Notice that in the link johnny posted, it says:
Decides whether to
alter the bail amount or to release the defendant on his or her own recognizance (Note: These matters are usually revisited even if addressed in prior proceedings)
The key words here are "Alter the bail", meaning that there is already a bond set.
But like I said, there's things goin' on that we don't know.
