Bail Questions • Bail Basics • Arizona
What Does Cash Surety Bond Mean?
Cash surety bond means the court will accept either the full bail in cash or a surety bond from a licensed bail agent.
Quick answer
Cash surety bond means the court will accept either the full bail in cash or a surety bond from a licensed bail agent. It is the standard secured bond in Arizona, and it is the opposite of a cash-only bond, where surety is not allowed and the entire amount must be paid in cash.
What cash or surety means on a court order
When a Maricopa County judge sets a secured appearance bond under A.R.S. 13-3967 and writes "cash or surety," the court is listing the two forms it will accept. Cash means the full amount deposited with the court. Surety means a bond from a licensed bail agent, backed by an insurance company, promising the court the full amount if the defendant fails to appear.
The phrase is sometimes compressed to "cash surety bond" on jail records and in conversation. It does not mean the family must pay cash and get a surety. It means the family may choose. Almost every secured bond set at the Initial Appearance Court in the 4th Avenue Jail is cash or surety unless the judge specifically restricts it. The how bail bonds work page explains the surety side step by step.
Choosing cash or surety on the same bond
The choice is about money now versus money later. On a $10,000 cash or surety bond, paying cash means $10,000 to the Bond and Fine Room today and a refund after the case ends, often months later, less fines and fees. Paying through an agent means a premium of about $1,000, set by rates filed with DIFI, which is never refunded.
For bonds of a few hundred dollars, cash is usually the better choice. For $5,000 and up, most families use a surety bond so they are not locked out of their savings for a year. Qualified cosigners can pay the premium on a payment plan, and many bonds under about $25,000 need no collateral. Run both numbers through the bail bond calculator before you decide.
Cash surety vs cash only
The one word that matters is "only." A cash-only bond excludes surety. The judge wants the court to hold the actual money, usually because the person has missed court before or is on a bench warrant. A licensed agent cannot post anything on a cash-only order. A cash or surety bond allows the agent to post the whole amount for the premium.
If the paperwork says cash only and the family cannot raise the full amount, a defense attorney can ask the judge to modify it to cash or surety. Courts frequently agree once the person has counsel and a court date. Read the cash-only bonds page for what an agent can do in the meantime, including checking for other warrants and holds before you pay.
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
Is a cash surety bond refundable?
The cash portion is, if you chose cash: the court refunds it after the case ends, less fines and fees. If you chose a surety bond, the premium paid to the agent is not refundable. Collateral held by the agent is returned when the bond is exonerated.
What does 10% cash surety bond mean?
It usually means the surety option costs about 10% of the bail as a premium to a licensed agent. The court itself does not take a 10% deposit in Arizona; the choice is the full amount in cash or an agent's surety bond for the premium.
Can you post a cash surety bond at night in Phoenix?
Yes. The 4th Avenue Jail Bond and Fine Room is open 24 hours for both cash and surety bonds. Licensed agents post around the clock at the same filed premium, with no night, weekend or holiday surcharge added to it.
Does a cash surety bond require a cosigner?
The cash option does not; anyone can pay the full amount at the Bond and Fine Room. The surety option does: an adult with ID, a verifiable address and income signs an indemnity agreement with the agent. Out-of-state cosigners sign electronically.
How do I know if a bond is cash or surety or cash only?
Read the court's release order or ask the agent to pull the court record. The Sheriff's inmate search shows the amount but not always the type. Call One Stop Bail Bonds any hour and an agent will walk you through it.