Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

To get out of jail using a bail bond, you typically have to pay 10 percent of the total bond amount. This payment goes to a licensed bail bondsman, who covers the rest of the bail to secure your release. For example, if your bail is set at $10,000, you’ll pay a nonrefundable fee of about $1,000 to the bondsman. The exact percentage can vary by state or bonding company, but 10 percent is the most common standard across the U.S., including in Kansas.

How the 10 Percent Bond Fee Works

The bail bondsman charges a percentage of the total bond as a premium fee for guaranteeing the full amount to the court. You do not get this fee back, even after the case is resolved; it serves as the bondsman’s payment for taking financial risk.

• Standard fee – Usually 10% of the total bail amount.
• Example – For a $5,000 bond, you pay $500 to the bail bondsman.
• Nonrefundable – The fee is kept by the bondsman regardless of the case outcome.

Paying the Full Amount Without a Bondsman

If you choose not to use a bail bondsman, you can pay the entire bail amount directly to the court. This is known as a cash bond. The court refunds your money (minus court fees or fines) if you attend all hearings and comply with the release terms.

• Full payment required – You must pay 100% of the bond to the court.
• Refundable – Returned after the case concludes, as long as all court appearances are made.
• Used for smaller bail amounts – Common when bail is set low or family can afford it.

Collateral and Additional Costs

Some bondsmen require collateral such as property, jewelry, or vehicles to secure the bond. This ensures the bondsman won’t lose money if the defendant skips court. Once the case is complete and all appearances are made, collateral is returned.

• Collateral examples – Real estate, cars, or other valuable assets.
• Returned after case – If all court terms are met.
• Forfeited – If the defendant fails to appear and the bond is forfeited.

States With Different Percentages

While 10 percent is the industry standard, some states regulate or adjust bail bond rates

• Kansas and most states – Standard 10% bond premium applies.
• Illinois and Kentucky – Do not allow commercial bail bonds; full payment must go directly to the court.
• Some states – Allow fees between 8% and 15% based on bond type or risk level.

What Happens if the Defendant Misses Court

If the defendant fails to appear in court, the bail bond is forfeited. The bondsman must pay the full amount to the court, and the cosigner or defendant may owe the bondsman for that loss.

• Bond forfeiture – Court keeps the entire bail if the defendant skips court.
• Financial responsibility – The cosigner or defendant must repay the bondsman.
• Possible arrest – The bondsman may hire recovery agents to bring the defendant back.

To get out of jail on bond, you generally pay about 10 percent of the total bail amount to a bondsman. The fee is nonrefundable but much cheaper than paying the full bail upfront, making it the most common way to secure release from jail.