Can Felons Be Bonded?

In most cases, yes, felons can be bonded. Being charged with a felony does not automatically mean the defendant must remain in jail until trial. Kansas law allows judges to set bail for many felony offenses, giving defendants the chance to secure release and prepare their defense outside of custody.

However, bond eligibility depends on the specifics of the case, including the severity of the charges and the defendant’s history. Courts weigh risk factors before deciding whether a bond will be granted and at what amount.

How Judges Decide on Felony Bonds

Judges in Kansas evaluate several factors before granting bond in a felony case:

• The seriousness of the crime – Violent crimes or crimes involving weapons are less likely to have a low bail.
• Criminal history – Repeat felony offenders often face higher bail amounts or stricter conditions.
• Community ties – Including employment, family connections, and length of residence in Wichita, can influence bond decisions.
• Risk of flight – If a defendant is considered likely to skip court, bail may be set higher or denied.
• Public safety – Courts consider whether releasing the defendant poses a threat to others.

You can review bail procedures and requirements in Kansas statutes at the Kansas Legislature.

When Felons Cannot Be Bonded

There are situations where a felony defendant cannot be bonded out. These include….

• Cases where the law explicitly prohibits bonds (for example, certain capital offenses).
• If a defendant is already on probation, parole, or another form of release and violates conditions.
• If a judge rules that no bond is appropriate due to public safety concerns.

While uncommon, these exceptions exist to protect the community in extreme cases.

Why Felony Bonds Are Often Higher

Felony charges usually carry higher bail amounts than misdemeanors. A felony bond in Wichita might be set anywhere from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the case. For families, this often means working with a licensed bail bondsman is the only realistic option.

Bail bond companies, such as Baxter Bail Bonds, make release possible by charging a percentage of the total bail, typically 10%. Instead of paying the full amount, families pay a fee to the bondsman, who guarantees the rest to the court.

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

Can violent felons get bail in Kansas?

It depends on the case. Some violent felony defendants may receive high bail amounts, while others may be denied bail entirely if the risk is considered too great.

Is bail higher for felonies than misdemeanors?

Yes. Felony bonds are typically higher due to the severity of the charges and potential sentences.

Can a bail bondsman refuse to post bail for a felon?

Yes. Bail bond companies are not required to accept every case. They evaluate risk before deciding whether to write the bond.

Talk to Baxter Bail Bonds

If you or a loved one has been charged with a felony in Wichita, understanding bond options is essential. Baxter Bail Bonds can explain the process, answer your questions, and help you work toward release, no matter how serious the charge.

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.