Bail bondsman fees in Colorado aren't set by individual bondsmen — they're regulated by the Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI). That means the percentage fee a bondsman charges is capped by state law, and every licensed bondsman in Colorado operates under the same rules.
The specific percentage depends on the type of bond and other factors. We'll tell you exactly what our fee is before you commit to anything.
How the fee works
A bail bondsman charges a premium — a percentage of the total bond amount — in exchange for posting the bond with the court. That premium is non-refundable. It's the fee for the service. The bondsman posts the bond, takes on the financial risk (if the defendant skips court, the bondsman is on the hook for the full bond amount), and the fee covers that service and risk.
An example
A $10,000 bond with a 15% premium means the fee is $1,500. You pay the bondsman $1,500. The bondsman posts the $10,000 bond with the court. When the case is resolved (months later), the bond is exonerated and the bondsman's obligation ends. The $1,500 fee is kept as the service fee — it's not refunded.
What's regulated by the Colorado DOI
- Maximum premium percentages for different bond types
- Required licensing and continuing education for bondsmen
- Form of contracts and disclosures
- Collateral handling and return requirements
- Complaint and enforcement processes
What's flexible
Within the regulated maximums, bondsmen can offer payment plans on the fee itself. Most reputable bondsmen, including Mary Ellen's, will work with families on reasonable payment arrangements when the full fee isn't available upfront. The bond itself must be posted in full — the payment plan is only on the bondsman's fee.
Collateral vs. fee
Collateral is separate from the fee. For larger bonds, the bondsman may require collateral — real estate, vehicle title, jewelry, or other assets — in addition to the fee. Collateral is returned once the case is resolved and the bond is exonerated. It's held as additional security in case the defendant skips court. For smaller bonds, collateral is often not required — just a cosigner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the fee negotiable?
The maximum percentage is set by law, so no bondsman can legally charge above that. Below the maximum, some flexibility exists — we sometimes offer lower rates for repeat clients, certain charge types, or situations with strong cosigners. Ask when you call.
What if I can't afford the fee right now?
Talk to us. We offer payment plans for qualifying clients. We don't want a temporary cash shortage to prevent you from getting your loved one out of jail. The plan is for our fee only — the bond itself still needs to be posted in full, which we handle.
Can the fee be refunded if the charges are dropped?
No. The fee is non-refundable once we've posted the bond. If charges are dropped the next day, that's great for your loved one — but our service (posting the bond, taking on the risk) has already happened. This is true of every licensed bondsman in Colorado.
Do bondsmen charge different rates?
The maximum rate is the same for everyone. Below that maximum, rates can vary — but most reputable Colorado bondsmen charge similar fees. Be wary of bondsmen who quote much lower rates; sometimes there are hidden fees or collateral requirements that offset the apparent savings.