Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

The amount you have to pay to get out of jail depends on your bail amount and how you choose to post it. When someone is arrested, a judge or magistrate sets bail based on the charges, criminal history, and risk of flight. You can either pay the full amount to the court, use a bail bondsman, or sometimes be released without paying cash at all.

Paying Cash Bail

If you pay cash bail, you must pay the full amount set by the court. For example, if bail is set at 5,000 dollars, you must pay all 5,000 to get out of jail. The court refunds the money after your case ends, as long as you attend all required hearings. If you miss court, you lose the full amount.

Using a Bail Bondsman

If you cannot afford full bail, you can hire a bail bondsman. A bondsman usually charges a nonrefundable fee of about 10 percent of the total bail amount. For instance, if your bail is 10,000 dollars, you would pay the bondsman 1,000 dollars. The bondsman then posts the full bond to the court, guaranteeing your appearance at future hearings.

Property or Collateral Bonds

Instead of cash, some courts allow you to use property as collateral for release. The property’s value must be equal to or greater than the bail amount. If you fail to appear in court, the court can seize the property to cover the bond.

Release on Recognizance (OR Bond)

For minor charges or first-time offenders, the judge may release you on your own recognizance, meaning you do not pay anything upfront. You are released based on your promise to return for all court appearances. Missing a hearing can result in a warrant and future denial of bond.

Additional Costs

Some jails charge small administrative or booking fees at the time of release, usually between 20 and 50 dollars. These fees are separate from bail and are not refunded.

The amount you pay to get out of jail depends on your bail. Paying cash requires the full amount, while using a bondsman costs about 10 percent. Some people qualify for release without paying anything if the court grants a recognizance bond.