

How To Pay A Bond
Are you wondering how to pay a bond for a loved one or yourself? Understanding how to navigate the process can feel overwhelming. But don't worry, it's actually pretty straightforward when you follow instructions and you understand your role in the agreement.
This guide will clearly explain what a bond is and the different ways to pay a bond. We will also review what to expect during the process. Bonds help someone attend all required court appearances.
The purpose of paying a bond allows an arrested person (defendant) to be released from jail until his or her case is completed. If you are unable to post bond yourself, a family member can help you through the process. This commitment allows a person to be released from custody while awaiting trial.
With different types of bonds and payment methods, you might be wondering where to even begin. This article will help you learn how to pay a bond with ease.
A bond is a financial guarantee to the court. This guarantee can be cash, property, or a surety. The goal is to make sure the person shows up for all court dates.
The amount of an immigration bond is determined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). These entities are each part of the Department of Justice. The full bond amount must be paid at the time the obligor posts the bond with ICE if it is a cash bond.
Several types of bonds exist, each with specific rules and payment methods. It is critical that you pay with the proper method in order to fulfill the order and potentially receive your payment back once all is said and done with the process. Here's a rundown of the most common types of bonds and their payments. You can even find bail bonds service to assist with this process.
A cash bond requires you to pay the entire bail amount in cash. Anyone can post this bond. The cash is refundable after the case, minus any court fees, fines, or restitution owed.
For example, you would need to pay the full $500 to the court to post bail if ordered a $500 cash bond. Some courts will also allow a money order or a cashier's check to be used to post bond. Purge bonds are similar to cash bonds and also offer online payment options.
These bonds are different, but can be paid via GovPayNow. Check with the court for acceptable payment methods in your specific location.
Surety bonds typically cost 10% of the total bail amount. You must use a licensed bail agent to obtain a surety bond. The bondsman posts bail with the court on your behalf.
Keep in mind that this type of bond is nonrefundable. For instance, on a $1,000 surety bond, you’d pay $100 to a bondsman, and they’d handle the rest.
A PR bond, also called a percent bond, allows release on your promise to appear in court. While no upfront payment is needed, failing to appear carries financial penalties. If you are granted PR release, make sure to show up or else it will lead to a warrant being put out for your arrest.
You would then be required to have a walk-through bond posted to set up a new court date. This means signing an agreement that could impose a fee for not showing up to court. This agreement is based on their promise to show up in court.
An XC bond combines cash and a surety bond. The cash portion is refundable, less any fees. For example, Judge Jill orders an XC bond, where $500 is a cash bond and $1,000 is a surety bond.
In this instance, any person can post the $500 cash bond. A licensed bond agent must post 10 percent of the surety bond, or $100, on the other portion. Remember this percent is often not refundable so if you don't follow the rules of the court.
If you don't follow the rules of the court, then you risk that amount and other implications.
An XR bond mixes a surety and a percent bond. Only the percent bond part of an XR bond can be refunded. Any fines, fees, & or restitution owed to any party once the case is resolved are exempt.
Take for example where Judge Jill orders an XR bond, where $1,000 is a surety bond and $500 is a percent bond. In such case a licensed bondsman must post 10 percent of the surety bond amount, which would be about $100. Any person is able to post 10 percent of the percent bond for the other half, which comes to about $50.
How can you actually pay these bonds? Here's how. Paying a bond has several options, but these options may vary based on location and court rules. Always double-check with your local jurisdiction.
Paying bonds in person at the courthouse or jail is pretty normal. You can use cash, credit, and debit. Make sure to bring a photo ID, which is required to post.
Paying bonds and other payments require a valid photo identification when paying in-person. Be sure to check with the County Sheriff's department if you have any questions.
Many jurisdictions now let you pay cash bonds online, bringing major convenience. You can utilize GovPayNow to pay cash bonds online. Purge bonds also offer an option at GovPayNow. If choosing to pay online make sure to confirm they're able to use credit or debit cards through AllPaid.com, noting there will be an additional service fee.
Surety bonds are exclusively handled by licensed bail agents. Work with a bondsman for these types of bonds. Remember that surety bonds are not refundable, so inquire if the agent allows payments using different options or financial solutions that accommodate a specific financial situation.
Consider finding one who is experienced and highly reputable because failing to follow any of the bond rules can cause monetary ramifications and penalties if it is found that you failed to follow bond regulations. If you have any questions, call customer service.
ICE uses the Cash Electronic Bonds (CeBonds) system. This web-based system provides an automated, Okta secured, online capability to verify bond information. With CeBonds you can post cash immigration bonds for detained aliens and enable ICE to send electronic notifications to cash bond obligors.
To register for a secure CeBonds account select “Click Here to Post a Bond” and complete the prompts. Keep in mind, obligors without access to banking services may use an immigration bond company to post a bond or work with community-based organizations that assist with immigration bonds. As with anything court or legal related, follow all the rules or it will lead to high penalties.
After the case is closed, you might be able to get some of your money back. It all hinges on the type of bond you paid and if any fees are owed. A refund is only for the refundable amount in cash.
With cash bonds, refunds are possible. The refunds are less any fees, fines, or restitution. For split bonds, only the cash portion is typically refundable.
Keep in mind surety bonds paid via a bondsman usually have no refund available, it’s nonrefundable so confirm ahead of time. To determine if a bond can be refunded, send an email that include: The case number; The bond amount; and A current mailing address
To apply for a bond refund, you’re going to have to follow a certain list of tasks, processes and follow-ups in order. So be sure you follow the instructions precisely, or it could lead to complications and frustrations when dealing with how to pay a bond. Here is the criteria that needs to be looked at in that specific case.
Collect Case Details: Locate your case number, bond amount, and the original receipt (if available). This ensures faster processing once a bond needs to be acquired.
Determine Refund Eligibility: What is owed? Are there any fines? It's key you gather any outstanding balances to find out the balance left, if any.
Prepare Documentation: Proof of address is vital. Having proof that address has changed since posting will lead to less processing time.
Submit Application: Follow guidelines for in-person, mail, or online submissions to send everything over. Sending documents improperly could create more delays in you potentially acquiring any bond return.
Track Progress: Use provided tracking mechanisms and respond quickly to all requests for details to keep up with all communications and processes. Always remember that even if the information process feels long, it still is crucial to monitor consistently.
Receive Payment: Payment arrives. Then confirm all funds arrive according to instructions, with possible options like direct deposit.
Questions about immigration bond status or refunds should be directed to the right office. For open bonds, contact the nearest ICE field office for guidance.
Bonds are not always simple, you should keep some details and rules in mind when choosing your avenue forward and the method on how to pay a bond, whether to take our own or leverage bond agents. Consider your responsibilities closely and make sure you have a reputable bonds agent, whether that is from Kings County in Seattle, or your local county bond agent or sheriff. Below are several important thoughts and reminders to have while planning on how to pay a bond. Appeal bonds may also be something to consider in your situation.
Each type has unique guidelines. Delivery bonds mandate that the alien shows up to a particular ICE site whenever issued a Notice to Obligor to Deliver Alien. Failing this might bring ICE bond breach notices. Make sure you know all of the rules and regulations when posting bond, whether it is for felony bail or a traffic ticket.
Failures will come with severe implications. To substantially comply you may not be subject to non-performance breach with serious impact from the agreement on Form I-352 contract between obligor/ICE.
The contract terms rely heavily on that specific bond type. Some reasons that ICE might think you did not follow guidelines could include: The alien did not report to ICE or you have breached the contract in other fashion. To comply, all must follow ICE’s conditions as specified. For avoiding breach ICE provides timely warning that it lacked substantial performance using Notice – Immigration Bond Breached (Form I-323).
The alien did not report to ICE or you have breached the contract in other fashion. To comply, all must follow ICE’s conditions as specified. For avoiding breach ICE provides timely warning that it lacked substantial performance using Notice – Immigration Bond Breached (Form I-323).
If anything feels tricky during those situations do not avoid seeing lawyers. Attorneys give clarity as to options about how a potential defense is possible or ways of having decreased bails during hearing as they unfold.
Legal counsel is always a great decision during these times and if you ever need further clarification, it is always the right path to choose. Your attorney can explain options for bailing out and potentially argue for lower bail or ROR in a bail hearing. If you want a better sense of control in your situation, seek support from legal avenues as things arise. If you are struggling to pay your total bond, they may also have solutions for you.
Plus local sheriff websites also have a wealth of information, just do an online search. One can report issues or receive feedback, too, while browsing, or search their database. It helps with resources for topics that a lay person will be unknowledgeable of so do leverage them to your highest advantage as you decide "how to pay a bond". You may even be able to locate frequently asked questions that can help answer any basic questions you have.
When someone is arrested and sitting in jail, there's usually a sense of urgency to get them out. But figuring out bail and bond options can be confusing (and costly). A bail bond company can help answer any questions you have as well.
Here is a table that summarizes how different bond types are paid and whether they are refundable.
Bond Type | Payment Method | Refundable? |
Cash Bond | Cash, Money Order, Cashier's Check, Online Payment | Yes, minus fees |
Surety Bond | Through a Bail Bondsman | No |
Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond | None Upfront | Yes |
XC Split Bond | Cash for cash portion, Bondsman for surety portion | Cash portion only |
XR Split Bond | Bondsman for surety, cash for percent bond | Percent bond portion only |
Navigating the payment and refund process of a bond does not have to be complicated. If you are wondering, how to pay a bond, then taking each step forward helps you move closer to completing your goals with paying a bond in general. With a bit of research and planning you can determine which bonds work best for your situation.
Keep a clear record of payments, and always reach out for clarification when needed to guide you with each step. This will help you to always make the right decisions. Also consider your role in public safety when someone is released.