Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

If a bond is set at $5,000, the amount you pay depends on how you post it. If you pay the full amount directly to the court, you must provide all $5,000 upfront. If you use a bail bondsman, you usually pay only about 10% of the total bond, which is $500 as a non-refundable fee for their service.

Paying the Full Amount (Cash Bond)

When you pay a cash bond, you give the entire $5,000 directly to the court. This money acts as a guarantee that you’ll attend all court hearings and follow release conditions. If you meet all requirements, the court refunds the money once your case ends, minus any fees or fines.

• Total paid upfront – $5,000
• Refundable – Yes, after the case concludes, if all conditions are met
• Who can pay – You, a family member, or a friend

Using a Bail Bondsman (Surety Bond)

If you can’t afford the full $5,000, you can contact a licensed bail bondsman. They post the entire bond with the court for you, but in return, you pay a non-refundable fee, usually 10% of the total amount. So, for a $5,000 bond, you’d pay about $500.

• Amount due upfront – $500 (10% of $5,000)
• Refundable – No, the bondsman keeps this fee as payment
• Collateral – Sometimes required, like property or valuables, depending on risk

Payment Plans and Collateral

Many bail bond companies offer payment plans if you can’t pay the $500 immediately. You might pay part upfront and the rest over time. The bondsman may also require collateral, such as a car title, jewelry, or property deed, to secure the bond until the case ends.

After the Case Ends

Once the case is over and you’ve attended all court dates,

• If you paid cash bond – You get your $5,000 back, minus any court costs or fines.
• If you used a bondsman, You don’t get the $500 back because it’s the bondsman’s fee.

For a $5,000 bond, you either pay $5,000 in full directly to the court and get it back later, or you pay a $500 non-refundable fee to a bail bondsman who posts the bond for you.