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Call (602) 252-0111 — Available 24/7Step 1 — Find the Inmate
Before you can post bail, you need to confirm where the person is being held and get their booking number and bail amount. In Arizona, each county operates its own jail and inmate search system.
Arizona Inmate Search by County
- Maricopa County (Phoenix area) — MCSO system, updated every 30 minutes
- Pima County (Tucson) — Pima County Adult Detention Complex
- Pinal County (Florence, Casa Grande)
- Yavapai County (Prescott, Sedona)
- Search all 15 Arizona counties →
If you do not know which county, use the main search on our homepage or call us at (602) 252-0111 — we can often locate the inmate for you.
Step 2 — Understand the Bail Amount and Charges
Once you find the inmate record, you will see the bail amount (also called “bond amount”) and the charges. In Arizona:
- Bail is set by a judge, typically at arraignment (within 24–72 hours of arrest)
- Minor offenses may have a preset bail schedule — no judge required
- Serious charges (murder, major felonies) may result in no bail or very high bail
- Some holds (immigration ICE detainer, out-of-state warrant) can prevent release even if bail is paid
If you are unsure about the charges or holds on the record, call us at (602) 252-0111. We deal with the Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal county systems daily and can quickly tell you what to expect.
Step 3 — Contact a Licensed Arizona Bail Bondsman
Most families cannot afford to pay the full bail amount in cash to the court. A bail bondsman (or bail bond agent) pays the full amount on your behalf in exchange for a non-refundable premium.
What You Need When You Call
- The inmate’s full name and date of birth
- The jail they are being held at and their booking number
- The bail amount (if already set)
- Your own contact information and a valid ID
Affordable Bail Bonds has been licensed in all 15 Arizona counties since 1968. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Step 4 — Pay the Premium and Sign the Paperwork
Under Arizona law, the bail bond premium is exactly 10% of the total bail amount. This rate is regulated by the state — no licensed bondsman can charge more or less.
Premium Examples
- $5,000 bail → $500 premium
- $10,000 bail → $1,000 premium
- $25,000 bail → $2,500 premium
- $50,000 bail → $5,000 premium
The premium is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the case. Payment plans, credit/debit, PayPal, and cash are all accepted.
You will sign an indemnity agreement (also called a co-signer agreement) making you responsible for ensuring the defendant appears at all court dates. If they fail to appear, the full bail amount becomes your financial responsibility.
Step 5 — Wait for Release
Once the bondsman posts the bond with the jail, the release process begins. Typical release times in Arizona county jails:
- Maricopa County (MCSO): 1–4 hours from bond posting
- Pima County: 2–6 hours
- Smaller counties: Often faster — sometimes under an hour
- Weekends / holidays: Can take longer due to reduced staffing
The person will be released with a Notice to Appear listing their court date(s). Missing any court date can result in re-arrest and forfeiture of the bond.
After Release — What Happens Next
Being released on bail means the person is free while their case proceeds through the courts. They must:
- Appear at all scheduled court dates
- Comply with any bail conditions set by the judge (travel restrictions, no contact orders, drug testing, etc.)
- Stay in contact with their attorney and bondsman
- Notify the bondsman of any change of address
Once the case is resolved (by dismissal, plea, or verdict), the bond is exonerated and the court releases the bond. The 10% premium you paid is not returned — that is the cost of the bondsman’s guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a bail bond cost in Arizona?
The premium is 10% of the total bail amount by Arizona state law. On a $10,000 bail, you pay $1,000. This fee is non-refundable whether the case is dismissed or the person is convicted.
How long does it take to get someone out of jail in Arizona?
Once the bond is posted, jails typically process the release within 1–4 hours. Maricopa County can sometimes take longer on busy nights; smaller county jails are often faster.
What happens if the person misses their court date?
A warrant is issued for their arrest and the bond is forfeited. The bondsman has a set period (typically 180 days in Arizona) to return the defendant to custody before the full bail amount is owed. As the co-signer, you would be financially responsible for that amount.
Can I bail someone out if they have an out-of-state warrant?
An out-of-state warrant (detainer) may prevent release even after posting bond on the Arizona charge. Call us at (602) 252-0111 and we will check for any holds before you pay the premium.
Ready to Get Started?
Call Affordable Bail Bonds now — we answer 24/7 and can begin the process in minutes.
Call (602) 252-0111 — Available 24/7