Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

When a court sets bond at $100,000, it means the defendant must provide a financial guarantee to be released from custody before trial. Most people do not pay the full $100,000 themselves. Instead, they work with a licensed bail bondsman who charges a percentage of that total amount to post the bond on their behalf.

Typical Cost with a Bail Bondsman

Bail bondsmen usually charge a fee based on a fixed percentage of the total bond. This is called the premium. The most common rate is,

• 10 percent of the bond amount – This is the industry standard in many states, including Kansas

So, for a $100,000 bond, you would pay approximately $10,000 to the bail bondsman. This fee is a one-time, non-refundable payment. It covers the risk the bondsman takes by guaranteeing your appearance in court.

What If You Pay the Court Directly?

Instead of going through a bondsman, some individuals or families choose to pay the full bond amount to the court. This is known as a cash bond. If the defendant attends all court dates and complies with conditions, the $100,000 is typically refunded after the case ends, minus any court costs or fines.

But if the defendant misses court, the full amount is forfeited. That’s why many people choose a bondsman, they pay less upfront, even though the money is not returned.

Other Factors That Affect Cost

• Risk level – If the defendant has a criminal history or is considered a flight risk, the bondsman might charge more than 10 percent
• Collateral – For high bond amounts like $100,000, the bondsman may require property, vehicles, or other assets to secure the bond
• Payment plans – Some bail bond agencies offer financing, though that can come with extra fees or interest

A $100,000 bond typically costs $10,000 when working with a bail bondsman. This payment is non-refundable and is required before the bond is posted. If you pay the court directly, you must come up with the full $100,000 but you may be eligible for a refund after the case, as long as all conditions are followed. The choice depends on your financial situation and level of risk.