Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

Families often ask about making payments on a bond in Wichita and Sedgwick County. In many cases, the answer is yes. Licensed bonding companies can offer payment plans if underwriting approves your application. Approval depends on case type, charge severity, and risk factors. This Wichita-focused guide explains how bond payment plans work, what you may need to qualify, and what to expect after approval. This is general information and not legal advice.

Quick Answer

Many people qualify for a bond payment plan. With a surety bond through a bonding company, you pay a premium that is typically around 10 percent of the bond amount. Some or all of that premium can be divided into installments if approved. The premium is a service fee and is not refundable.

How Bond Payments Work – Surety vs Cash

Surety bond – The bonding company guarantees the full bail amount to the court. You pay the premium and may provide collateral or a cosigner. Since the full bail is not deposited with the court, the premium is kept by the bonding company at the end of the case. Many clients place a down payment and then make scheduled installments on the remaining premium after approval.

Cash bail – A payer deposits the entire bail with the clerk or jail. Courts do not set payment plans for cash bail. After the case, the court can apply the deposit to fines, fees, or restitution. Any remaining amount can be returned to the payer of record after accounting.

Typical Requirements for a Payment Plan

• Down payment – An initial portion of the premium due at signing
• Cosigner – A responsible adult with stable income and reliable contact details
• Proof of ability to pay – Pay stubs, employment details, or other income verification
• Valid identification and references – Government-issued ID plus personal references
• Collateral – Vehicle title, real property, or other assets if needed for risk
• Written agreement – Clear installment terms, due dates, fees, and consequences for missed payments

What Affects Eligibility

• Charge severity & bond size – Higher risk or higher amounts can require stronger documentation
• Prior failures to appear – Missed court in the past can reduce approval odds
• Employment and housing stability – Steady work and residence history support approval
• Cosigner strength – Strong income and verified references improve terms
• Documentation quality – Complete and accurate paperwork speeds decisions

Installments, Missed Payments, & Refunds

Installments are commonly weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Many agencies offer automatic payments to reduce missed due dates. If a payment is late, a fee can apply. Repeated nonpayment can move the account to collections. In serious cases, the bond can be revoked. Communication with your agent is essential when finances change. The surety premium is not refundable. Collateral is typically released when the case closes without forfeiture and all financial obligations are satisfied.

Example Scenarios – Illustration Only

• Moderate bond – employed defendant – A single cosigner and proof of income lead to approval with a down payment and biweekly installments over four to eight weeks
• Higher bond – limited credit – Two cosigners plus vehicle collateral secure approval with weekly payments for closer risk control
• First offense – strong cosigner – Lower down payment approved and a short schedule that ends before the first major court setting