Bail Questions • Bail Basics • Arizona
What Is an Unsecured Bond?
An unsecured bond releases a defendant from jail without any money up front but makes them owe a set amount if they miss court.
Quick answer
An unsecured bond releases a defendant from jail without any money up front but makes them owe a set amount if they miss court. Arizona judges set an unsecured appearance bond under A.R.S. 13-3967 for people likely to appear, so no bail agent and no cash are needed for release.
How an unsecured appearance bond works in Arizona
At the initial appearance the judge can release a defendant on an unsecured appearance bond. The order names a dollar amount, for example $2,500, but nobody pays it. The defendant signs a promise to appear and acknowledges owing that amount to the court if they fail to come back. Release follows through normal jail processing.
Judges use it when the factors in A.R.S. 13-3967, such as a local address, steady work, no prior failures to appear and a lower-level charge, suggest the person will return, but the court still wants a financial consequence hanging over a missed date. It is common on misdemeanors and some lower felonies in Maricopa County. If the paperwork shows this release type, you do not need a bail agent, and we will tell you that when you call. The OR release guide covers the similar no-money option.
Unsecured bond vs secured bond
The difference is timing. A secured bond must be posted, in cash or through a licensed agent's surety bond, before the jail releases the person. An unsecured bond is owed only after a failure to appear. Secured bonds cost the family money now: the full amount in cash or a premium of about 10% to an agent. Unsecured bonds cost nothing unless the defendant skips.
On the court record, look for the word. "Secured appearance bond $10,000" means someone must post $10,000 or hire an agent. "Unsecured appearance bond $10,000" means the person is released on signature. Families sometimes see a dollar figure on the inmate search and assume they must pay it. Ask the agent to confirm the bond type from the court record before spending anything.
What happens if you miss court on an unsecured bond
The promise becomes a debt. The judge issues a bench warrant, and the court can enter judgment for the full unsecured amount against the defendant under the forfeiture procedure in Rule 7.6 and A.R.S. 13-3974. The person also faces a failure to appear charge, a class 1 misdemeanor under A.R.S. 13-2507 in misdemeanor cases or a class 5 felony under A.R.S. 13-2506 in felony cases.
When the person is picked up on the warrant, or turns themselves in, the judge usually sets a new bond, and this time it is often secured or cash-only. That is where a bail agent comes in. A walk-through bond lets the person surrender with the bond already arranged so the stay in custody is short.
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 have to pay an unsecured bond?
No, not unless the defendant misses court. The amount is a promise, not a deposit. Nothing is collected at release, and nothing is owed when the case ends normally. A failure to appear turns the promise into a debt the court can enforce.
Is an unsecured bond the same as OR release?
Close but not identical. Own recognizance is a written promise to appear with no dollar amount attached. An unsecured bond names an amount owed on a missed court date. Neither requires money or a bail agent before the jail releases the person.
Can an unsecured bond be changed to a secured bond?
Yes. If the defendant violates a release condition, picks up a new arrest or misses a hearing, the state can ask the judge to revoke release and set a secured or cash-only bond. The judge can also do it on the court's own motion.
Do you need a bail bondsman for an unsecured bond?
No. The jail releases the person on signature. If you call an agent about an unsecured bond, a licensed agent should tell you no bond needs to be posted. You would only need an agent if the court later changes it to a secured bond.
What does unsecured appearance bond mean on the inmate search?
It means the judge released the person on a promise plus a dollar figure owed only after a missed court date. No payment is required for release. Call One Stop Bail Bonds any hour and an agent will walk you through it.