Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

Being held in jail with no bond means a judge has decided that the defendant cannot be released before trial under any circumstances. This usually happens when the person poses a risk to public safety, has a history of skipping court, or faces charges so serious that pretrial release is not allowed. In Kansas and other states, “no bond” is used to ensure the defendant remains in custody until their next hearing or trial date.

What “No Bond” Means

When a person is listed as having “no bond,” it means the court has not set any bail amount for release. The defendant must stay in custody until a judge reviews the case and decides whether bond can be granted later. This status is not always permanent, in some cases, attorneys can request a bond hearing to modify or set a bond amount.

• No release allowed until a court hearing or new order
• Applies to serious or repeat offenders
• Can be temporary until more information is available
• May change if the judge later sets conditions for release

Common Reasons Someone Has No Bond

Judges deny bond for specific legal or safety reasons. The decision depends on the nature of the charges, prior criminal record, and the likelihood that the defendant will return to court or comply with conditions.

• Serious felony charges – Crimes such as murder, rape, armed robbery, or aggravated assault often result in no bond.
• Flight risk – If the defendant is likely to flee or evade law enforcement, the court may deny bond.
• Threat to public safety – Defendants accused of violent or dangerous acts are often held without bond to protect the community.
• Probation or parole violations – Committing another offense while on supervision can automatically trigger a no-bond hold.
• Outstanding warrants – If multiple jurisdictions are involved, the defendant may be held until all warrants are resolved.
• Failure to appear – Defendants who skipped court previously may not be granted bond again.

Temporary No-Bond Holds

Sometimes, a person is placed on a temporary no-bond status immediately after arrest. This gives the court time to review the case and determine an appropriate bond. These holds are common for new felony arrests, domestic violence cases, and probation violations. Once reviewed, the judge may set a bond amount or decide to continue the hold.

• Initial 48 to 72-hour hold before the first court appearance
• Bond hearing scheduled to reconsider eligibility
• Prosecutor and defense present arguments about risk and release

Crimes That Commonly Lead To No Bond

While each case is different, the following types of charges often result in no bond being set, at least initially.

• Murder or attempted murder
• Aggravated assault or battery
• Rape or sexual offenses
• Armed robbery
• Drug trafficking or manufacturing
• Domestic violence with serious injury

How To Request A Bond Hearing

If someone is being held without bond, their attorney can file a motion requesting a bond hearing. During this hearing, the defense can argue that the defendant is not a danger to the public and should be granted a reasonable bond. The judge will review criminal history, community ties, employment, and evidence of compliance to decide whether to modify the bond status.

• Attorney files a motion for bond review
• Judge evaluates the nature of charges and risk factors
• Prosecutor and defense argue for or against bond
• Bond may be granted, denied, or set with special conditions

Exceptions And Special Situations

Even in no-bond situations, some defendants can later earn the chance for release through cooperation, plea agreements, or court reviews. In federal cases, bond is denied only if the government proves that no release condition can guarantee safety or appearance.

• Bond may be revisited after evidence review
• Judges may allow monitored release in rare cases
• Defendants with health or family needs can request reconsideration