Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

The amount you should pay for a bond depends on the total bail amount set by the court, and if you’re using a bail bondsman or paying the full amount yourself. In most cases, you’ll pay about 10% of the total bail to a licensed bondsman as a non-refundable fee. The rest of the bond is covered by the bondsman, who guarantees to the court that you’ll appear at all hearings.

Standard Cost of a Bond

Bail bond costs are set by state law and typically range from 8% to 15% of the total bail amount. The standard fee is usually 10%. Here’s how it works,

• If bail is $5,000, you pay about $500.
• If bail is $10,000, you pay about $1,000.
• If bail is $50,000, you pay about $5,000.

This percentage is the bondsman’s fee for taking on the financial risk and posting your bail with the court. You don’t get this payment back; it’s the price for their service.

Full Cash Bond vs. Surety Bond

You have two main options for posting bail,

• Cash bond – You pay the entire amount directly to the court. If you attend all court dates, the money is refunded (minus court fees).
• Surety bond – You pay a bail bondsman a small percentage, and they post the full amount. This fee is non-refundable but lets you avoid paying the total upfront.

For example, paying a $10,000 cash bond yourself means tying up that full amount until the case ends. Using a bondsman lets you pay only $1,000 to secure release immediately.

Factors That Affect the Cost

While 10% is standard, a bondsman may charge more or require extra conditions depending on your situation. Factors that influence cost include,

• The total bail amount
• Your criminal record and risk of missing court
• Type and severity of the charges
• Where you live (in-state or out-of-state)
• Collateral availability (property, car, or valuables)

Payment Plans & Collateral

Many bail bond companies offer payment plans for families who can’t afford the full 10% upfront. You might pay a smaller down payment, such as $500 on a $5,000 bond, and make installments until the balance is paid. The bondsman may also require collateral to secure the bond, which is returned once the case ends, as long as all conditions are met.

When No Bond Fee Applies

In some cases, judges release defendants on their own recognizance (OR), meaning no money is required. This happens when the defendant has strong community ties and is not considered a flight risk.

You should expect to pay about 10% of the total bail to a bondsman as a non-refundable fee. If you can afford to pay the full bond directly to the court, you’ll get it back once the case is complete and all conditions are met.