Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

In some cases, yes, you can bond out after being convicted, but it depends on the type of crime, the sentence, and the judge’s ruling. Post-conviction bonds, also called appeal bonds, allow defendants to stay out of jail while waiting for sentencing or during the appeal process. Yet, these bonds are not guaranteed. Judges only grant them if the defendant poses no danger to the community and has valid legal grounds for an appeal or sentencing review.

When You Can Bond Out After Conviction

After conviction, you may still qualify for release if the court allows a bond pending sentencing or appeal. These decisions are based on the case’s circumstances and the judge’s discretion.

• Before sentencing – If the conviction has occurred but sentencing has not, the court may allow bond to remain active until sentencing day.
• Pending appeal – Some defendants are eligible for an appeal bond if they are appealing the conviction and the court believes the appeal has merit.
• Low-risk offenders – Judges are more likely to grant post-conviction bonds for nonviolent crimes or first-time offenders.

When You Cannot Bond Out

Not all convictions allow bond. Serious or violent felonies often disqualify defendants from post-conviction release. Courts prioritize public safety and are less likely to release anyone convicted of high-risk crimes.

• Serious felonies – Murder, rape, armed robbery, and other violent offenses almost always disqualify you from post-conviction bond.
• Mandatory sentencing laws – Some crimes have automatic jail terms that cannot be postponed through bond.
• High flight risk – Defendants with long sentences or poor court attendance history are denied bond after conviction.

Appeal Bonds Explained

An appeal bond allows you to stay out of custody while your attorney appeals the verdict or sentence. You must post the full bond amount or work with a bail bondsman who charges a fee. These bonds are higher than pretrial bonds because the defendant has already been convicted and may have a greater incentive to flee.

• Full payment or surety bond – Either pay the total bond or use a bondsman to post it for a percentage fee.
• Strict conditions – Courts often impose travel restrictions and require regular check-ins while the appeal is pending.
• Refundable if conditions met – If the appeal bond is paid in cash and all terms are met, it may be refunded after the appeal ends.

Bond After Sentencing

In some cases, a bond may be granted even after sentencing while the defendant waits for a higher court’s decision. These situations are rare and usually involve legal errors or ongoing appeals.

• Filed appeal pending – The defendant must have an active appeal accepted by the court.
• No public risk – The judge must believe the person will not commit new crimes while released.
• Financial guarantee required – The bond amount is often higher to discourage flight risk.