The Process
How bail works.
Most everyone has heard of bail bonds, but few understand how the system actually works. Here's the plain-English version — and why a 10% premium is mandated by the state.
Arrest
A suspect is arrested and booked into the county jail.
Bail Set
The court sets a bail amount based on the charges and history.
Call Big Fish
Call us 24/7. We post an insurance-backed bond for a 10% premium (set by Kansas law).
Released
The defendant is released — average 45 minutes at Sedgwick County.
Court Dates
Defendant attends every court date through the end of the case.
Case Resolved
Bond is exonerated. Failure to appear results in forfeiture and a bench warrant.
Bond types
Know what you're posting.
Surety Bond
What we post. The bondsman pledges the full amount to the court for a 10% premium.
Cash Bond
Pay the court the full bail in cash. Refunded at case end (minus fees) if all dates are met.
Property Bond
Pledge real estate equity worth the full bail. Slow and risky — your home is the collateral.
OR Release
Released on your own recognizance — no money posted. Judge's discretion only.
What is a 10% bond fee?
Bail can be expensive. Instead of paying the full amount in cash, the defendant (or a co-signer) pays Big Fish a 10% premium. We post the full bond with the court. The 10% is set by Kansas law and is non-refundable — it's the price of the service.
If the defendant skips court
A bench warrant is issued, the bond is forfeited, and the co-signer becomes responsible for the full bail amount. Big Fish may also dispatch a recovery agent. Skipping bail is itself a new criminal charge.
Co-signer responsibilities
- Make sure the defendant goes to every court date
- Notify Big Fish if the defendant moves or changes phone
- Help the defendant comply with all bond conditions
- Cover the full bond amount only if the defendant skips
Bond conditions matter
Most bonds come with conditions: no contact orders, drug testing, GPS monitoring, no alcohol, or curfews. Violating any condition can revoke the bond and send the defendant back to jail. Read every page of the bond paperwork — we'll walk you through it.