Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

In some situations, you can pay a bond without going to jail by arranging a pre-arrest bond or walk-through bond through a bail bondsman or directly with the court. This process allows you to avoid being booked into jail and immediately released after signing the bond paperwork. Nevertheless, not all charges qualify for this option, and the rules vary by county and state.

How A Bond Works

A bond is a financial guarantee that ensures you will appear in court after being charged with a crime. Normally, after an arrest, a judge sets bail, and you are released once payment is made. But in certain cases, you can handle the bond before surrendering, saving time and avoiding lengthy jail processing.

• Bail – The total amount required for release before trial.
• Bond – The financial promise made through cash or a bondsman to guarantee court appearances.
• Pre-arrest bond – A bond arranged before being taken into custody.

How To Pay A Bond Without Going To Jail

The most common way to avoid spending time in jail is through a walk-through bond. This process allows you to turn yourself in, complete paperwork, and leave immediately once the bond is accepted. You work with a licensed bail bondsman to handle all arrangements before you arrive at the jail or sheriff’s office.

• Contact a bail bondsman or your attorney to check if a walk-through bond is allowed for your charge.
• Provide the bondsman with your full name, date of birth, and warrant or case number.
• Pay the bond premium (usually 10 percent of the total bail).
• Sign the bond paperwork guaranteeing your future court appearance.
• Appear briefly for booking or fingerprinting if required, then be released.

When You Can Use A Walk-Through Bond

Not every offense qualifies for a walk-through or pre-bond release. This option is typically available for lower-level or non-violent charges where the court has already set bail. If your charge involves violence, weapons, or serious felonies, you’ll likely need to go through the standard arrest and bail process.

• Qualifies for misdemeanors or minor felonies
• Available if a warrant already lists a bail amount
• Not available for violent crimes or probation violations
• Must be approved by both the bondsman and the sheriff’s office

Benefits Of Paying a Bond Before Jail

Paying a bond before being booked can save time, prevent a full arrest record from appearing, and reduce stress for you and your family. It also shows the court that you are cooperative and responsible for resolving your case.

• Reduces time in custody and booking delays
• Helps avoid embarrassment or missed work
• Prevents full jail intake and lengthy processing
• Shows good faith to the court and bondsman

When You Cannot Pay the Bond Before Jail

Some cases require full booking before release, especially for serious or violent crimes. In those instances, you must first be arrested, booked, and then allowed to post bail after a judge sets the bond. You cannot skip jail processing entirely if a warrant requires physical custody.

• Felony or violent charges typically require a full booking
• Judges may deny pre-bond release for repeat offenders
• Out-of-county warrants usually require transport before bond payment
• The court’s discretion determines whether pre-bond release is permitted

How To Find Out If You Qualify

To see if you can pay a bond without going to jail, contact your attorney, local sheriff’s department, or a licensed bail bondsman. They can confirm whether a warrant includes a preset bail amount and whether a walk-through process is available in your county.

• Ask for the warrant type and bail amount
• Check if your county allows pre-arrest bonding
• Have your bondsman handle paperwork in advance
• Follow all instructions for surrender and release