Arizona bail guide

How bail works in Arizona

What happens from arrest to release, explained step by step. If you're in the middle of it right now, call us. We'll walk you through it.

1
Arrest & booking
After an arrest in Mesa, Chandler or Gilbert, the person is taken to a local holding facility or into the Maricopa County jail system. Booking includes fingerprints, photos, and recording personal property. Booking can take several hours on busy nights.
2
Initial appearance
Arizona requires an initial appearance before a judge within 24 hours of arrest. The judge reviews the charges and sets release conditions. That may mean release on the person's own recognizance (no bail), release with conditions, or a bail amount.
3
Posting bail
If bail is set, you can pay the full amount to the court yourself (when it's allowed) or have a bail bond agent post a surety bond for a premium of typically 10%. We handle the filing with the facility.
4
Release
Once the bond is posted, the jail processes the release. That often takes a few hours, though it varies by facility and time of day. Your loved one will leave with paperwork showing their next court date. Keep it somewhere safe.
5
Court dates & conditions
The defendant must attend every court date and follow every release condition, such as no contact orders, no alcohol, or check-ins. We'll send reminders, but the responsibility to appear stays with the defendant.
6
Bond exoneration
When the case ends and every appearance has been made, the court exonerates the bond. Any collateral is returned, and the cosigner's obligation ends.

Bail terms, defined

Indemnitor (cosigner): The person who signs the bond agreement and takes financial responsibility if the defendant doesn't appear.
Premium: The fee paid to the bail bond agent, typically 10% of the bail amount in Arizona. Not refundable.
Own recognizance (OR): Release without bail, based on the defendant's promise to appear.
Forfeiture: If the defendant misses court, the judge can order the bond forfeited, and a warrant may be issued.
Exoneration: The court's release of the bond once the case is resolved.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. For questions about the charges or the case itself, talk to a criminal defense attorney.

Call or text any time, day or night. A real person answers, and we can usually start the bond on the first call.