What Is a Bond?

A bond is a financial guarantee that a defendant will return to court after being released from jail. When someone is arrested, a judge may set bail. Bail is the amount of money the court requires as assurance that the defendant will appear for hearings. A bond is the mechanism by which bail is secured.

In practice, a bond can take the form of cash bail, a surety bond through a bail bondsman, or in rare cases, a property bond. Each serves the same purpose: ensuring court appearances.

Why Bonds Exist

The bond system balances two goals: protecting the community and preserving the defendant’s rights. Without bail, defendants could be held in jail for months or years while awaiting trial. With bail, they have a chance to return to work, support their families, and prepare a defense. The bond ensures accountability by creating a financial incentive for the individual to return to court.

How the Bond Process Works in Kansas

In Kansas, after an arrest, the defendant attends a first appearance, where the judge sets bail. The judge considers factors such as the seriousness of the charges, the defendant’s criminal history, and the risk of flight. Once bail is set…

1. Option 1 – Pay cash bail. The full bail amount is paid directly to the court. If the defendant attends all hearings, the money is returned (minus court costs).
2. Option 2 – Work with a bondsman. Families pay a percentage, usually 10%, to a bail bond company like Baxter Bail Bonds. The bondsman guarantees the full amount to the court, and the defendant is released.
3. Option 3 – Other release types. In limited cases, the court may allow a PR bond (personal recognizance) with no money paid up front.

You can review statewide bail procedures at the Kansas Legislature.

Types of Bonds

There are several types of bonds used in Wichita courts…

• Cash Bond – The full bail amount is paid directly to the court.
• Surety Bond – Posted by a licensed bail bondsman for a fee (commonly 10%).
• Property Bond – Real estate pledged as collateral, rare in Kansas.
• PR Bond – Release based on the defendant’s promise to return without payment.

Role of a Bail Bondsman

A bail bondsman acts as the bridge between the family and the court. By charging a standard fee, the bondsman makes release affordable for families who cannot pay the full bail amount. The bondsman then guarantees the court that the defendant will appear as required.

At Baxter Bail Bonds, we guide families through every step, from gathering case details to posting the bond and ensuring clients understand their responsibilities. This support helps defendants stay compliant and avoid additional charges.

Helpful Resources

• Kansas Bail Statutes: Kansas Legislature
• Sedgwick County District Court: 18th Judicial District (DC18.org)
• Wichita Municipal Court: City of Wichita
• Kansas Bail Agents Association: KBAA

FAQ

Do you get bond money back in Kansas?

If cash bail is paid to the court, most of it is returned after the case, minus fees. If you use a bail bondsman, the 10% fee is non-refundable.

Can anyone post a bond?

Yes. Family, friends, or the defendant can post cash bail, or a licensed bail bondsman can post a surety bond on the defendant’s behalf.

What happens if someone skips court?

The court issues a warrant, and the bond may be forfeited. If a bondsman posted the bond, they may pursue the defendant to recover costs.

Talk to Baxter Bail Bonds

If you’re facing the stress of an arrest, understanding how a bond works is the first step. Baxter Bail Bonds helps Wichita families navigate the process, secure release, and move forward with confidence.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always consult an attorney for advice on your specific case. Make sure to reach out to the Warrior Lawyers if you need legal advice.