Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

To get out of jail, most people pay 10 percent of the total bond amount to a bail bondsman. This payment is known as the bond premium and is a nonrefundable service fee that allows the bondsman to post the full bail with the court. The remaining 90 percent is guaranteed by the bondsman, often secured by collateral such as property or a vehicle. This arrangement makes release possible for defendants who cannot afford to pay the entire bail amount upfront.

How The 10 Percent Rule Works

The standard rate for bail bonds across the United States, including Kansas, is 10 percent, though it can vary slightly depending on the bondsman and the type of case. For example, if your bail is set at $20,000, you would pay $2,000 to the bail bondsman. The bondsman then assumes responsibility for paying the full $20,000 to the court if you fail to appear for your hearings.

• Total bail – The amount set by the judge as a financial guarantee for release.
• Bond premium – Usually 10 percent of the total bail, paid upfront to the bondsman.
• Collateral – Property, cash, or other assets that may be required to secure the remaining amount.

When The Percentage May Differ

While 10 percent is the industry standard, certain cases or states allow slight variations depending on the risk involved or the defendant’s background. Some bondsmen may charge higher fees for out-of-state cases, large bonds, or defendants considered high-risk for flight.

• Low-risk cases – Fees may drop slightly to around 8 percent.
• High-risk or large bonds – May rise to 12-15 percent.
• Federal and immigration bonds – Can reach 15-20 percent due to stricter requirements.

Paying The Percentage Without A Bondsman

If you pay the bail directly to the court instead of using a bondsman, you must pay the entire amount in full. Once the case concludes and you attend all hearings, the court refunds the full bail, minus administrative costs. The 10 percent payment through a bondsman, however, is not refunded because it’s a fee for their service and financial risk.

• Full payment option – Pay the complete bail to the court; refundable after the case.
• Bail bond option – Pay only a 10 percent premium; nonrefundable but cheaper upfront.

What Happens If You Miss Court

If you fail to appear in court, the bondsman becomes responsible for paying the full bail amount to the court. In this case, the bondsman will use collateral or employ recovery agents to locate you and recover losses. Missing court can also lead to new charges and immediate re-arrest.

• Bond forfeiture – The court keeps the full bail amount.
• Collateral loss – Property or cash used to secure the bond can be taken.
• Re-arrest – A warrant is issued, and bail may be revoked or increased.