Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

Yes, in many cases you can bail yourself out if you have a warrant, but it depends on the type of warrant, the charges involved, and if the court has already set a bond amount. In Kansas and most other states, some warrants allow you to post bond immediately, while others require you to appear before a judge first.

Types of Warrants That Allow Bail

Certain warrants come with a preset bond amount, which means you can post bail as soon as you are arrested or turn yourself in. These are often called bench warrants or failure-to-appear warrants. If the court already determined a bond when issuing the warrant, you can usually pay it directly to the jail or through a bondsman without waiting for a hearing.

• Bench warrant – Issued when you miss a court date or violate a court order; usually has a bond attached.
• Arrest warrant for minor offenses – May allow you to post a standard bond amount upon booking.

Warrants That Require a Judge’s Review

For more serious cases, such as violent felonies, probation violations, or “no-bond” holds, you cannot immediately post bail. You must appear before a judge for a bond hearing. The judge will review your case, criminal history, and risk level before deciding if bond is appropriate or if you must remain in custody.

• No-bond warrants – Often issued for serious crimes, probation revocations, or failure to comply with court orders.
• Probation violation warrants – Usually require you to see a judge before release options are discussed.

Turning Yourself In

If you know you have a warrant, turning yourself in voluntarily can work in your favor. It shows responsibility and can influence the judge to set a lower bond. Bring identification and be prepared to post bond if allowed. You can also contact an attorney beforehand to verify the bond amount and possibly arrange for a self-surrender, which often speeds up the release process.

Posting Your Own Bail

If the warrant includes a set bond amount and you have the funds, you can pay it directly to the jail as a cash bond. If you don’t have the full amount, you can use a bail bondsman, who typically charges about 10 percent of the total bond as a non-refundable fee. Once the bond is posted, you’ll be released and must attend all future court hearings to avoid bond forfeiture.

You can often bail yourself out if your warrant has a preset bond, but serious charges or no-bond holds require a court hearing first. Turning yourself in voluntarily and working with an attorney improves your chances of a smoother and faster release.