Cash Only Bonds • Phoenix & Maricopa County • 24 Hours
Cash Only Bonds in Maricopa County: What They Mean
When the court orders a cash-only bond, a surety bond cannot be used. Here is what that means and how we can still help.
Cash Only Bonds in Phoenix: What You Need to Know
Sometimes the initial appearance paperwork says 'cash only.' That means the judicial officer has ordered that the full bail amount be deposited in cash with the court or jail, and a surety bond from a bail agent will not be accepted. Courts use cash-only bonds most often for failure-to-appear warrants, unpaid fines, and defendants with a history of missing court.
One Stop Bail Bonds cannot write a surety bond on a cash-only order, and any agent who claims otherwise is misleading you. What we can do is help you understand the order, confirm the exact amount and where it must be paid, explain how to ask the court to convert it to a secured appearance bond, and stand ready to post a surety bond the moment the court changes the condition.
How We Handle Cash Only Bonds
Step 1
We read the release order with you and confirm whether it truly is cash-only or a secured appearance bond that can be posted with surety.
Step 2
If it is cash-only, we explain how a defense attorney can file a motion to modify the release conditions, which judges frequently grant.
Step 3
If the court converts the bond, we post the surety bond immediately.
Why Families Choose One Stop for Cash Only Bonds
- Honest explanation when a surety bond is not an option
- Help reading confusing release paperwork
- Fast posting if the court modifies the bond
- Referrals to attorneys who handle release hearings
What a Bail Bond Costs in Arizona
Arizona bail bond premiums are set by the surety company's rate filing with the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions. The standard rate is 10% of the bail amount, so a $5,000 bail costs about $500 and a $20,000 bail costs about $2,000. The premium is our fee for posting the full bail and is not refunded when the case ends. Arizona law does not allow a bail agent to charge interest on the premium, and we never add night, weekend or holiday surcharges.
On very small bonds, surety schedules set a minimum premium. If paying the full cash bond yourself would cost you less, we will say so. For larger bonds we may ask for collateral or a qualified cosigner, and every requirement is disclosed in writing before you commit. Use our bail bond calculator to estimate the premium, or read about payment plans and collateral.
Ready when you are
Call now for cash only bonds anywhere in Maricopa County. A licensed agent will confirm the bail amount and quote the premium to the dollar.
Cash Only Bonds Questions
Can a bail bondsman post a cash-only bond?
No. A cash-only bond must be paid in full, in cash or approved certified funds, to the court or the jail. A surety bond cannot satisfy it. A defense attorney can ask the court to change the condition.
Where do I pay a cash-only bond in Maricopa County?
Bonds for county inmates are paid in person at the 4th Avenue Jail Bond and Fine Room. The county does not accept bonds by phone, app, wire or electronic transfer, and never requests payment by text or email.
Do I get a cash bond back?
If the defendant makes every court appearance, the cash bond is refunded by the court when the case concludes, sometimes less fines and fees the court applies. Processing takes time.
What is the difference between a cash bond and a surety bond?
A cash bond is the full bail amount paid to the court by the defendant or a family member and refunded at the end of the case if the defendant appears. A surety bond is posted by a licensed bail bond agent for a premium, typically 10% of bail, which is not refunded. Surety bonds let families secure release without producing the full amount.
Do you get bail bond money back?
The premium paid to a bail bond agent is not refunded. It is the fee for the agent posting the full bail amount on the defendant's behalf. Collateral pledged for a bond is returned when the case ends and the court exonerates the bond. If you instead pay the full bail in cash directly to the court, that cash is refunded when the case concludes, provided the defendant appeared at every court date.