Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

When a person is arrested and a judge sets bail, they have the option to pay the full amount directly or use a bail bond company. The portion you must pay depends on if you post cash bail yourself or hire a licensed bail bondsman. In most cases, you will not need to pay the entire bond amount upfront, but instead pay a percentage of it as a service fee. This payment ensures your temporary release from jail while your case is pending, provided you follow all court orders and attend all hearings.

Standard Percentage for Bail Bonds

• Most bail bond companies charge around 10 percent of the total bail amount as their fee.
• This means that if bail is set at $10,000, you would typically pay $1,000 to the bondsman to secure your release.
• Some states regulate the exact percentage allowed by law, while others let bond companies set their rates within a reasonable range.
• The fee is nonrefundable, even if you appear at all court dates or if your case is later dismissed.

Examples of Bond Percentages by Situation

• Standard Cases – Most defendants pay about 10 percent of the bail amount to a bondsman.
• High Bail Amounts – For very large bail amounts (over $100,000), some bondsmen may charge 8 percent or negotiate a flat fee.
• Low Bail Amounts – For smaller bail amounts, the bondsman might charge a minimum fee, often between $100 and $200, depending on state rules.
• Federal or Immigration Bonds – These often require a higher percentage, sometimes up to 15 percent, due to added risk and paperwork.

Paying the Percentage & Collateral

• Along with the percentage fee, a bondsman may require collateral such as property, jewelry, or a vehicle to secure the bond.
• If the defendant fails to appear in court, the bond company can seize the collateral to recover its loss.
• If all court appearances are completed, the collateral is returned, but the 10 percent fee remains with the bondsman.

When You Can Avoid Paying a Percentage

• If you pay the full bail amount directly to the court yourself, you will not owe any bond fees, and the money is returned once your case concludes.
• Some defendants are released on their own recognizance (OR), meaning no payment or bond is required if they have strong community ties and a low risk of fleeing.
• In certain cases, courts allow bail reductions or payment plans if the original bail is unaffordable.

Key Points to Remember

• You generally pay 10 percent of the total bail amount when using a bail bondsman.
• The payment is nonrefundable, as it covers the bondsman’s service and risk.
• Collateral may be required, especially for higher bail amounts or repeat offenders.
• Paying the full amount directly to the court avoids fees, but you must have the total cash upfront.
• Always confirm the legal percentage limit in your state before signing a bond agreement.

You typically pay 10 percent of the bail amount to a bondsman to secure release from jail. This payment is a service fee and not a refundable deposit. The remaining bond value is guaranteed by the bondsman, who assumes responsibility for ensuring you attend all future court dates.