When someone you love is sitting in Sedgwick County Jail, you want them home as fast as possible. One of the easiest ways to speed things up is to show up ready. When you have the right information and documents in hand, the paperwork moves quickly and your bondsman can get to work on the release right away.
This checklist covers what most families need when they sign a bail bond in Wichita. Every case is a little different, so the best first step is always a quick phone call. But if you gather the items below, you will be in great shape.
Information About the Person in Jail
Before anything else, your bondsman needs to know who is being released and where they are being held. Try to have:
- Full legal name spelled exactly as it would be on an ID
- Date of birth
- Where they are being held, such as the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility at 141 W Elm in downtown Wichita
- Booking number, if you have it
- The charges and bond amount, if you know them
Do not worry if you are missing some of this. A bondsman can usually look up the booking details with just a name and date of birth. You can also check our inmate search page to find the person first.
Your Photo ID
The person who signs the bond (often called the cosigner or indemnitor) will need a valid, government issued photo ID. A driver’s license, state ID card, or passport all work in most cases. Make sure it is not expired. An expired ID is one of the most common reasons paperwork gets held up.
Proof of Where You Live
Your bondsman needs to know how to reach you. Bring something that shows your current address, such as:
- A recent utility bill
- A lease or mortgage statement
- A bank statement with your name and address
If the address on your ID is current, that may be enough. If you recently moved, bring a second document just in case.
Proof of Income or Employment
When you cosign, you are telling the bonding company that you can stand behind the bond. Many bondsmen ask for basic proof of income, like a recent pay stub or a letter from your employer. If you are self employed, a recent bank statement or tax document may work. You do not need to bring a stack of paperwork. One or two recent documents is usually plenty.
Contact Information You Can Share
Most bail bond applications ask for a few references. These are people who know the defendant and can help reach them if needed. Have the names and phone numbers ready for:
- Close family members
- An employer or supervisor
- A friend or neighbor who stays in touch
This is normal and it is not meant to embarrass anyone. It simply helps everyone stay on track so the defendant makes every court date.
A Way to Pay the Premium
The premium is the fee you pay the bail bond company to post the bond. It is not the full bail amount. At Eastep Bail Bonds we work hard to make this part manageable. We accept credit cards and offer bail bond payment plans for families who qualify. Call us and we will walk you through exactly what the total will be before you sign anything.
Collateral, If It Is Needed
Some larger bonds require collateral. Collateral is something of value that secures the bond, such as a vehicle title or property. Many bonds do not require collateral at all. If yours does, your bondsman will tell you up front and explain how you get it back once the case is over.
Tips to Make Signing Go Faster
- Call first. A quick call lets us start checking the booking and bond details while you get your documents together.
- Ask about remote signing. In many cases paperwork can be completed electronically, so you may not need to drive anywhere.
- Read before you sign. You are agreeing to real responsibilities. Ask questions about anything that is not clear.
- Keep copies. Save your receipt and a copy of the agreement somewhere safe.
What Happens After You Sign
Once the paperwork is complete and the premium is handled, your bondsman posts the bond with the jail. From there, the jail processes the release. Release times vary depending on how busy the facility is, so expect some waiting even after the bond is posted. When your loved one walks out, make sure they know their next court date and keep in touch with the bondsman.
Ready to Get Started?
Eastep Bail Bonds is available 24/7 for families in Wichita and across Sedgwick County. If you are not sure what to bring, just call. We will tell you exactly what you need so you only have to make one trip, or none at all.
Eastep Bail Bonds is a bail bond company. We are not attorneys and we do not give legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact Warrior Lawyers.
Call Eastep Bail Bonds any time at (316) 391-3723.
