How Much Is Bail on $1 Million? (Wichita, Kansas Guide)
If a judge sets bail at $1,000,000 in Sedgwick County, there are two main paths to release: posting cash bail for the full amount or using a surety bond through a licensed bonding company. This Wichita-focused guide explains real-world costs, how Kansas Senate Bill 473 affects district-court appearance bonds, and how Local Rule 303 shapes local bonding procedures. This article is general information, not legal advice.
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Quick Answer
On a $1,000,000 appearance bond in a Kansas district court, a surety-bond premium is generally calculated as a percentage of the bond.
Under the current Kansas framework, the minimum premium is commonly referenced as 10% of the bond amount. That means a minimum premium of
$100,000 on a $1M bond. Under the law’s collection rules, at least half of that minimum premium must typically be collected before the bond is posted. The premium is a non-refundable service fee. Final approval and exact terms depend on underwriting, case-specific facts, and risk assessment. If posting cash bail, you must deposit the entire $1,000,000 with the court or jail.
Two Paths to Release on a $1M Bail
1) Cash Bail (Full Amount Up Front)
A friend, family member, or the defendant pays $1,000,000 to the court or jail. After the case, the court may apply that cash to fines, fees, court costs, and restitution; any remainder may be refunded to the payer of record once accounting is complete. For district-court docket details, visit DC18 Records. For municipal matters, see the
City of Wichita.
2) Surety Bond (Through Wichita Bonding Company)
Instead of depositing $1,000,000, you pay a premium to Wichita Bonding Company. For a $1M bond, the minimum premium is commonly described as $100,000,
with at least half due before posting, subject to Kansas district-court rules. Because the court doesn’t receive your full bail amount in a surety arrangement,
there is no cash for the court to refund at the end of the case. Collateral and strong cosigners are routinely required on bonds of this size.
Kansas & Wichita Specifics (SB 473 + Local Rule 303)
Senate Bill 473 (District-Court Appearance Bonds)
- Minimum premium benchmark – Commonly referenced at 10% of the bond for district-court appearance bonds.
- Collection before posting – At least a portion of the minimum premium is collected up front.
- In-person posting – The compensated surety must be physically present to sign/post at the jail.
These requirements are specific to the district court. Municipal-court practices can differ. For a plain-language explainer, see our overview:
SB 473 in Wichita.
Local Rule 303 (Sedgwick County)
Sedgwick County’s Local Rule 303 governs who may post bonds and local procedures. Only authorized/approved compensated sureties and their listed
agents may write bonds on local cases; the Sheriff provides equality in exposure to approved sureties; the rule also addresses out-of-district agents and forfeiture handling.
Learn more here: Local Rule 303 Overview.
For official court information, visit the 18th Judicial District (DC18) website.
For bail education resources, see the Kansas Bail Agents Association.
Cost Examples & What Underwriting Looks For
Illustrative only, final terms depend on risk, collateral, cosigners, and case factors.
- $1,000,000 bond via surety – Minimum premium benchmark ≈ $100,000. Under current collection rules, at least $50,000 (half of the minimum) is due before posting. The remaining premium can sometimes be financed with strong cosigners and collateral.
- High-risk profile – Prior failures to appear or serious charges may require more collateral, additional cosigners, and tighter payment schedules.
- Cash-bail alternative – Family deposits the full $1,000,000. After disposition, cash may be applied to fines/fees/restitution first; any remainder may be refunded to the payer of record after accounting.
Common underwriting factors include employment and housing stability, verified income, strength and number of cosigners, asset documentation, and the defendant’s track record with court appearances.
Cash vs. Surety: Pros, Cons & Timing
Cash Bail
- Pros – No premium to a bonding company; potential refund of the remaining balance after obligations are fulfilled.
- Cons – Requires $1,000,000 up front; money is tied up during the case; refund only after accounting and after obligations are satisfied.
Surety Bond
- Pros – Typically faster posting; no need to deposit $1,000,000; professional guidance on conditions and court dates.
- Cons – Premium is non-refundable; collateral/cosigners are usually required; strict compliance is essential to avoid forfeiture action.
Where to Check Dockets & Custody
- DC18 Records & Court Schedule — Sedgwick County District Court.
- Sedgwick County Inmate Search — current custody/release status.
- City of Wichita — municipal information.
Need options on a high bond? Contact our team. We’ll outline the requirements of SB 473, the procedures for Local Rule 303, and the underwriting steps.
FAQ: $1 Million Bail in Wichita
Is the $100,000 premium the total cost?
The minimum premium benchmark for a $1 million district-court appearance bond is commonly referenced as $100,000. Underwriting may require additional fees,
collateral, or conditions. The premium is a non-refundable service fee.
Can I finance the premium?
Often, with strong cosigners and verified income. Kansas rules require that a portion of the minimum premium be collected before posting; the remaining amounts,
if any, may be scheduled per a written agreement, subject to underwriting.
Will the municipal court treat a $1M bond the same way?
Municipal court processes may differ from those of the district court. Always confirm your case type and court. For district-court cases, see the DC18 links above.
What if the judge changes the bond later?
Judges can modify bond conditions or adjust the bond amount. If the bond is lowered, speak with your agent about how that affects remaining premium and collateral.
