AR County Requiring Sheriff’s Bonds for Felony Cases

Saline County, Arkansas is in the middle of a federal lawsuit with local bail bondsmen after Saline County judges signed a court order earlier this year outlawing payment plans on bail premiums. In addition, felony case bonds are often recommended for a sheriff’s bond, where 10% of the bail amount is paid to the sheriff’s office. The county argues that sheriff’s bonds are better for everyone involved because the defendant gets a percentage of the 10% back at the end of the trial.

The Arkansas constitution requires bail bondsmen collect a 10% premium on bonds but does not mention payment plans. Saline County officials became concerned over this practice when they could not find proof of full payment on certain premiums.