Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

If you can’t pay your bond, you may have to stay in jail until your court date. Bond is the amount set by the court to ensure you return for your hearings. When the full bond is unaffordable, the person remains in custody unless alternative arrangements are made through a bail bond agent or a motion to reduce the bond is granted by the judge.

Staying in Jail

The most immediate result of not paying your bond is remaining in jail. Courts often set bond based on the severity of the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Without payment, the court has no guarantee that you will appear, so you must stay incarcerated until the case is resolved or a hearing occurs to revisit the bond amount.

Using a Bail Bondsman

Many people turn to a bail bondsman when they cannot afford to pay the full bond. A bondsman typically charges a fee, often 10 to 15 percent of the total bond amount, in exchange for posting the full amount to the court. For example,

• If the bond is $10,000, the bail bondsman may charge $1,000 to $1,500
• This fee is non-refundable, even if charges are dismissed
• You may need a co-signer or collateral, such as property or a vehicle

If you don’t qualify for a bond agent or can’t afford the fee, you will remain in custody unless other legal actions are successful.

Requesting a Bond Reduction

If the bond is too high, your attorney can request a bond reduction hearing. During this hearing, the judge may consider your ability to pay, the nature of the charges, and community ties. A reduced bond might make release possible, especially for non-violent offenses or first-time offenders.

The court is not required to reduce the bond, but it may do so if the original amount is considered excessive for the circumstances.

Consequences of Remaining in Jail

Being held without release can have serious personal consequences,

• Job loss due to missed work
• Disruption to family responsibilities
• Difficulty preparing a legal defense while in custody

Time spent in jail before trial can also impact plea negotiations and the mental health of the accused. Even a short stay can create long-term damage to a person’s personal and financial life.

If you can’t pay your bond, your options become limited. You may remain in jail unless you qualify for help from a bail bondsman or your lawyer successfully argues for a lower bond. It’s important to act quickly and explore all legal and financial options to avoid extended detention before your trial date.