Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

Bail bonds are calculated based on several factors, including the severity of the charge, the defendant’s criminal history, flight risk, and the court’s local bail schedule. Judges use these factors to decide how much money or a financial guarantee is necessary to ensure that the defendant appears in court. Once the total bail amount is set, a bail bondsman can post the bond for a non-refundable fee, usually 10% of the total bail.

How Judges Set Bail

Judges determine bail using a combination of state law, court rules, and their own discretion. In Kansas and most other states, courts consider,

• Type and severity of the crime – Violent felonies, drug trafficking, and repeat offenses lead to higher bail.
• Criminal history – A person with prior arrests or convictions is viewed as a higher risk.
• Flight risk – If the court believes a person might not appear for trial, bail is set higher or denied altogether.
• Community ties – Steady employment, family, and local residence can help reduce bail.
• Public safety – Judges weigh how dangerous the defendant may be to others if released.

Each county often uses a bail schedule, which provides a guideline for setting bail based on specific charges. For example, a misdemeanor theft might carry a recommended bail of $2,500, while a felony assault could start at $25,000 or more. Judges can adjust these amounts up or down depending on the case.

How Bail Bondsmen Calculate the Cost

If you can’t afford to pay the full bail amount, you can hire a bail bondsman. The bondsman posts the entire amount for you in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically around 10% of the total bail. For example,

• Bail amount set by the court – $10,000
• Fee paid to bondsman – $1,000 (10%)
• The bondsman guarantees the full $10,000 to the court if you don’t appear.

Depending on the company, your credit, and the case risk, some bondsmen may charge slightly more or require collateral such as property, vehicles, or valuables.

Special Circumstances That Affect Bail

• No-bond offenses – Some serious crimes, like capital murder, may not allow bail at all.
• Multiple charges – Bail amounts can add up if there are several counts or separate cases.
• Failure to appear – If you’ve skipped court before, the new bail will likely be higher or denied.

Reduction or Review of Bail

Defendants can request a bail reduction hearing if the amount is too high. Judges may lower bail if circumstances change, such as new evidence, strong community support, or completion of treatment programs.

Bail bonds are calculated based on the seriousness of the offense, risk factors, and court guidelines. After bail is set, a bondsman usually charges 10% of that amount as a non-refundable fee to secure release from jail.