Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

You only pay 10% of the total bail amount because that fee goes to a bail bondsman as a non-refundable payment for posting the full bail with the court. The 10% acts as the bondsman’s service fee for taking financial responsibility for the defendant’s appearance in court. Instead of paying the entire bail, sometimes thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, the defendant or their family pays a smaller percentage, allowing them to secure release from jail without depleting all their funds.

How The 10 Percent System Works

When a judge sets bail, the total amount represents what the court requires to guarantee the defendant will return for all hearings. If the defendant or their family can’t afford to pay the full bail, they can contact a licensed bail bondsman. The bondsman then posts a surety bond with the court, guaranteeing the defendant’s appearance. In exchange for this service, the defendant pays about 10% of the total bail amount as a non-refundable fee.

For example, if bail is set at $20,000, you would pay approximately $2,000 to the bail bondsman. The bondsman covers the remaining $18,000 by guaranteeing it to the court. This allows the defendant to be released while awaiting trial without paying the entire bail upfront.

Why The Fee Is Non-Refundable

The 10% payment is a service charge rather than a deposit. It compensates the bondsman for taking on financial risk. If the defendant fails to appear in court, the bondsman must pay the full bail amount to the court. Because of that risk, the bondsman keeps the 10% fee regardless of the case outcome. Even if the case is dismissed or the defendant is found not guilty, the fee remains payment for the bondsman’s services and the guarantee they provided.

Who Sets The 10 Percent Rate

Most states regulate bail bond rates through law or state insurance departments. The standard rate is typically 10%, though some states allow fees as low as 8% or as high as 15%. The exact percentage depends on state laws, the bondsman’s license, and the case’s risk factors. Bondsmen who charge more than the approved rate could face penalties or license suspension.

Benefits Of Paying Only 10 Percent

Paying 10% instead of the full bail amount offers several advantages for defendants and their families.

• Affordability – It makes release possible for people who can’t pay large sums in cash.
• Faster release – The bondsman can post bail immediately, often speeding up the release process.
• Financial flexibility – Families keep most of their money free for legal fees, bills, or other expenses during the case.
• Professional guidance – Bail agents help navigate court paperwork and ensure compliance with release conditions.

Collateral May Still Be Required

Even though you only pay 10% upfront, some bondsmen require additional collateral, especially for high bail amounts or high-risk cases. Collateral may include property, vehicles, jewelry, or other valuable items. If the defendant fails to appear in court, the bondsman can use that collateral to recover losses from the full bail amount.

What Happens After Court

Once the case ends and the defendant meets all court requirements, the bail bond is released. The bondsman no longer owes the court, and any collateral provided is returned. However, the 10% fee remains non-refundable since it was payment for the bond service, not a temporary deposit.

Why Courts Allow Bail Bondsmen

Court systems allow private bail bondsmen to operate because they help reduce overcrowding in jails and ensure defendants still show up for court. The 10% model balances fairness and accountability; it allows release for those who can’t afford full bail while still ensuring someone is financially responsible for their court appearances.