What a $5,000 Bond Costs

In the Kansas district court, the standard surety bond premium is 10% of the court-set bail. For a $5,000 bond, that premium is $500. This premium is a service fee for guaranteeing the defendant’s appearance and is generally non-refundable.

• Bail set by court-  $5,000
• Standard premium (10%) – $500
• Minimum due before posting (50% of premium) – $250
• Balance of premium – $250 (handled via approved payment arrangements and/or collateral, subject to underwriting)

Depending on the case risk (charges, history, employment, residence), a bondsman may also request collateral, cash, real property, a vehicle title, etc. Terms should be explained and documented in writing.

How Kansas SB 473 (K.S.A. 22-2809b) Affects Payment

Senate Bill 473 (2024), codified at K.S.A. 22-2809b, standardized compensated surety practices statewide. For consumers, here’s what matters…

• Minimum premium – Bondsmen must charge at least 10% of the appearance bond in district court.
• Money due before posting – Bondsmen must receive at least one-half of the required minimum premium before filing the bond (e.g., $250 on a $500 premium). Accepted forms include cash, a properly payable check, an authorized card transaction, or a bank/electronic transfer completed before execution.
• Physical presence & signature – The bondsman must be physically present when the bond is posted and must sign the bond at the jail.
• Financing the rest – Any unpaid minimum premium requires a written premium financing agreement.

Practically: To start a $5,000 bond in Wichita, bring $250 minimum and a valid ID. Your agent will handle the paperwork and filing steps.

Sedgwick County Local Rule 303: Local Requirements

Local Rule 303 (Compensated Surety Rules and Procedures) governs how bail agents operate in the 18th Judicial District (Sedgwick County, including Wichita). Key points…

• Authorized agents only – Bonds must be posted by approved compensated sureties/bail agents in good standing.
• State-law compliance – Agents must comply with K.S.A. 22-2806 through 22-2809b (which includes SB 473 requirements).
• Local procedures – The district sets documentation, ID checks, and filing standards to ensure bonds are valid and enforceable.

Working with a locally authorized bondsman helps avoid rejected paperwork and processing delays.

What This Means for Families in Wichita

• A $5,000 bond carries a $500 premium by law.
• You must bring at least $250 before the bond can be posted.
• Collateral may be required depending on risk and underwriting.
• Only authorized agents under Local Rule 303 may post bonds in Sedgwick County courts.

Tip: Have the defendant’s full name, booking number (if available), and your best contact number ready for court-date reminders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the $500 premium refundable?

No. The premium compensates the surety for risk and services and is not refunded at case end.

Can we post the full $5,000 ourselves?

Yes. Full cash bail is typically returned at case conclusion (minus court-ordered costs) if all appearances are made. Many families prefer a bondsman to avoid tying up $5,000.

Will collateral be required on a $5,000 bond?

Sometimes. Collateral depends on underwriting factors and will be documented in writing by your agent.

What forms of payment are accepted for the $250 minimum?

Kansas law permits cash, properly payable check, authorized card transactions, and certain electronic transfers completed before execution. Your agent will confirm what’s accepted and provide receipts.

How does Local Rule 303 affect timing?

Rule 303 limits posting to authorized agents and sets local procedures. Using an authorized Wichita agent helps prevent avoidable delays.

Call Baxter Bail Bonds

Ready to post a $5,000 bond in Sedgwick County? We’ll walk you through costs, documents, and next steps, fast. Contact Baxter Bail Bonds at (316) 554-0414 or visit 700 N Market, Wichita, KS 67214 for immediate assistance.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Bail decisions and requirements vary by case. Always consult your attorney and your licensed bail agent about your specific situation.