Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

No, you usually do not pay the full amount of a bond unless you choose to post a cash bond directly with the court. Most defendants use a licensed bail bondsman who posts the full bond on their behalf. In that case, you pay only a small percentage of the total amount, often around 10 percent. This payment is called a premium and is non-refundable. The rest of the bond is guaranteed by the bondsman, who takes on the financial risk if you fail to appear in court.

Paying The Full Bond Amount

If you post bail in cash, you must pay the full amount set by the court. This payment serves as a financial guarantee that you will attend all required court hearings. Once your case concludes and you have followed all court orders, the court refunds the bond amount, minus any fines or administrative fees. Cash bonds are often used when the defendant or their family can afford the full amount and want to avoid paying a non-refundable fee to a bondsman.

Using A Bail Bondsman

When you cannot afford the full bond, a bail bondsman can post it for you. In Kansas and most states, bondsmen charge a non-refundable fee, usually about 10 percent of the bond total. For example, if your bond is set at 20,000 dollars, you would pay around 2,000 dollars to the bail company. The bondsman then guarantees the full 20,000 to the court and becomes responsible for your appearance.

• Fee amount – Usually 8 to 15 percent, depending on state law and company policy.
• Collateral – Property, vehicles, or valuables may be pledged to secure the bond.
• Co-signers – Friends or family may sign the bond contract, agreeing to help ensure you attend court.

Refunds & Non-Refundable Fees

If you post the full cash amount yourself, you can get it back after your case ends, provided you attended all court dates. If you used a bondsman, the 10 percent fee you paid is not refunded. This payment is the bondsman’s service fee for taking on the risk of paying the full bond if you fail to appear.

What Happens If You Miss Court

If you fail to appear in court, the judge issues a warrant for your arrest, and the court can order the bond forfeited. This means the full amount must be paid. When using a bondsman, the bail company pays the bond and will seek repayment or use any collateral provided. Missing court can also lead to new criminal charges and loss of bond eligibility.

When You Might Have To Pay The Full Amount

You may be required to pay the full bond if…

• You choose to post a cash bond instead of using a bondsman.
• Your bail amount is small and manageable for you or your family.
• The court orders cash-only bail due to prior violations or flight risk.

Most defendants do not pay the full bond amount. By hiring a licensed bail bondsman, you can post bail for a fraction of the total. Paying the full cash amount is an option, but it requires significant funds and is refundable only after all court appearances are completed.