Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

When a court sets a $25,000 bond and you’re told to pay “10%,” it means you must pay 10% of the full amount to secure the defendant’s release. This is common in cases involving a surety bond or a 10% cash option approved by the court. The 10% amount serves as a partial payment that allows the person to stay out of jail while awaiting trial.

How much is 10% of $25,000?

• 10% of $25,000 = $2,500

This $2,500 can be paid to the court directly if allowed or to a bail bondsman. If paid to the court and the defendant attends all hearings, the money is usually refunded at the end of the case, minus any applicable court fees.

If using a bail bondsman

In most cases, a bail bondsman will also charge 10%, but this fee is nonrefundable even if the case is dismissed or the defendant is found not guilty.

• You pay – $2,500
• Bondsman posts – $25,000
• You do not get the $2,500 back

When 10% may not be enough

In some jurisdictions, courts require the full bond to be paid unless the judge specifically approves a 10% option. Without court approval, you would have to pay the full $25,000 or go through a licensed bail agent.

10% of a $25,000 bond is $2,500. That amount may be accepted directly by the court or used as a fee with a bail bondsman. If allowed by the court and paid in cash, it may be refunded after the case ends. If paid to a bondsman, it is a one-time fee and will not be returned.