Quick Answer

Felony bail in Kansas varies widely. Lower-level felonies can be set in the low thousands, while serious or violent charges can reach five or six figures. If you use a bonding company on a district-court case, Kansas’s Senate Bill 473 establishes a minimum appearance-bond premium and requires part of that minimum to be collected before posting; the premium is a non-refundable service fee. If you post cash bail, you deposit the full amount with the court or jail. Later, the cash can be applied to fines, fees, court costs, and restitution, with any remaining amount potentially refunded to the payer of record.

How Felony Bail Is Set

Kansas does not enforce a single statewide felony bail schedule. In practice, judges in Sedgwick County consider several factors-

• Severity of the charge – Person felonies and violent offenses typically draw higher bond amounts than non-violent property or drug offenses.
• Criminal history & prior FTAs – A history of failing to appear can increase perceived flight risk and raise bond.
• Community ties – Stable housing, employment, and family support can help the court consider lower monetary amounts or additional conditions instead of detention.
• Public-safety concerns – Risk-management conditions (e.g., check-ins, travel limits, GPS) may be used to enable release at a more manageable rate.

Initial bond can be set by warrant, schedule, or at the first appearance. Your attorney can ask the court to review or modify conditions when circumstances change, or when additional information supports a lower amount.

What You Actually Pay (Cash vs. Surety)

Cash Bail

Someone deposits the entire bond with the clerk or jail. If the defendant appears as ordered and the case concludes, the court first applies the cash to any outstanding financial obligations; any remaining balance may be refunded to the payer of record after accounting is complete.

Surety Bond (Through Wichita Bonding Company)

Instead of depositing the full amount, you pay a premium to Wichita Bonding Company and we guarantee the bond to the court. The premium is a non-refundable service fee; strong cosigners and collateral may be required on higher-risk cases. Collection timing and minimums on district-court appearance bonds follow the statewide framework referenced above.

In Sedgwick County, Local Rule 303 governs who may post bonds locally (authorized/approved compensated sureties and listed agents) and outlines procedures for posting, forfeiture handling, and related logistics.

Typical Ranges & Local Examples

Because felony categories span from lower-level to violent offenses, bond amounts vary considerably. As a rough orientation..

• Lower-level felonies – Often set in the low thousands, adjusted for risk and history.
• Mid-severity felonies – Commonly mid- to high-five figures when risk factors exist.
• Serious/violent felonies – Frequently six figures; judges may add conditions or, in limited circumstances, detain.

These are illustrative, not guarantees. The best indicator of cost is your judge’s order for your case, which you can verify on official dockets.

Timing, Paperwork & Holds

Release timing depends on court status, paperwork, approval, and jail processing. Separate holds can delay release even if a bond is posted, for example, a probation hold on another case, an out-of-county warrant, or a municipal matter that must be cleared. Always confirm the whole picture before assuming a release timeline.

Ways People Try to Improve Terms

• Attorney motion – Ask counsel about a bond-review hearing, primarily if new information supports a change.
• Documentation – Pay stubs, lease, letters from employers, and community references can support stability.
• Compliance plan – Proactive steps like arranging transportation and calendaring court dates reduce perceived risk.
• Reliable cosigner – A strong cosigner can improve underwriting and reduce collateral needs on surety bonds.

Official Wichita/Sedgwick Resources

• DC18 Records & Court Schedule – Sedgwick County District Court dockets.
• Sedgwick County Inmate Search – custody/release status.
• City of Wichita – municipal information and services.
• Kansas Bail Agents Association – bail education & training resources.

Questions about a specific felony case? Contact Wichita Bonding Company or return to the homepage.

FAQ: Felony Bail in Kansas

Is there a statewide felony bail schedule?

No. Judges use local guidance and case-specific risk factors rather than a single statewide number.

Is a bondsman’s premium refundable?

No. The premium compensates the bonding company for guaranteeing the appearance bond; collateral is handled separately according to the agreement and court outcome.

Can bond be changed later?

Often, yes. Your attorney can request review or modification if circumstances warrant it.