Bail Questions • Cost of Bail • Arizona
How Much Is Bail for a Misdemeanor?
Bail for a misdemeanor in Arizona is often nothing, release on own recognizance, or a bond of a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Quick answer
Bail for a misdemeanor in Arizona is often nothing, release on own recognizance, or a bond of a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. The judge sets it at the initial appearance under A.R.S. 13-3967, and a bail agent charges a 10% premium to post it, subject to a small-bond minimum.
Most misdemeanors get OR or a small bond
A misdemeanor is the lower tier of criminal charge in Arizona, heard in city or justice courts rather than Superior Court. Most people arrested on one are either cited and released by police or released at the initial appearance on their own recognizance, a written promise to appear with no money. When the judge does require a bond, the amount is usually modest: a few hundred dollars for minor offenses, a few thousand for repeat offenders, prior failures to appear, or charges with a victim.
Two misdemeanor categories run higher than the rest. Domestic violence arrests require a hold until the initial appearance and often come with conditions, and sometimes a bond. Extreme and repeat DUI can carry a few thousand dollars or more. The misdemeanor bail bonds page gives examples by charge.
What a misdemeanor bond costs through an agent
The premium is 10% of the bail: $50 on $500, $150 on $1,500, $300 on $3,000. One catch applies on small amounts. Surety rate schedules filed with DIFI set a minimum premium, so the fee on a very small bond can be more than 10%. Ask the agent for the exact number before signing. There is no interest and no night or weekend surcharge; Arizona licensing forbids both.
Misdemeanor bonds are nearly always signature bonds. One qualified cosigner, 18 or older with ID and verifiable income, signs electronically and no collateral is pledged. Payment by debit or credit card is standard. For a bond this small a payment plan is rarely needed, but it is available to qualified cosigners. The bail bond calculator shows the premium instantly.
Is it worth using an agent on a small bond?
Sometimes a cash bond makes more sense. If bail is $500 and the family has $500, paying it directly at the 4th Avenue Jail Bond and Fine Room, 201 S 4th Avenue, Phoenix, gets the money back after the case, less fines and fees. The window takes cash and cashier's checks only, 24 hours a day.
An agent earns the fee when the family does not have the cash on hand, is out of state, or does not want to drive downtown and wait. The agent posts the bond, tracks the release, and reminds the defendant of court dates. For misdemeanors in a city holding facility, release after posting is often within an hour or two. For anyone moved to 4th Avenue, two to eight hours is typical. Compare the options on cash bond vs surety bond.
Need a bond now?
A licensed agent answers any hour, confirms the custody location and bail amount, and posts the bond while you stay home.
Related Questions
Do you go to jail for a misdemeanor in Arizona?
An arrest is possible, but many misdemeanors result in a citation with a court date instead. If booked, the person sees a judge within 24 hours and is usually released on own recognizance or a small bond. Domestic violence misdemeanors require a hold until that hearing.
How much is bail for a class 1 misdemeanor?
Often none; release on own recognizance is common. When a bond is set on a class 1 misdemeanor such as assault, shoplifting or DUI, a few hundred to a few thousand dollars is typical, higher with prior failures to appear or an out-of-state address.
Can you be released without bail on a misdemeanor?
Yes. Arizona judges must release a person charged with a bailable offense on the least restrictive conditions that assure appearance, and for most misdemeanors that is own recognizance or pretrial services. A bond is set when history or circumstances suggest the person may not return.
What is the minimum bail bond premium in Arizona?
Surety rate schedules filed with DIFI set a minimum premium on very small bonds, so a $300 bond does not cost $30. The minimum varies by surety. A licensed agent quotes the exact figure before any paperwork is signed.
How long does a misdemeanor bond stay in place?
Until the case ends in city or justice court, often two to six months. The court then exonerates the bond, which ends the cosigner's obligation. The premium is not refunded at that point. Call One Stop Bail Bonds any hour and an agent will walk you through it.