One of the first questions families ask when a loved one is arrested is: how much is this going to cost? The good news is that bail bond pricing in Louisiana is not a mystery — it is set by state law and every licensed bondsman is required to follow it.
The State-Regulated Premium Rate
Under Louisiana Revised Statute §22:1443, the bail bond premium is 12% of the total bond amount, with a minimum charge of $120 regardless of bond size. This rate is the same for every licensed bondsman in the state. No one can legally charge you less — and a licensed bondsman should not be charging you significantly more.
| Bond Amount | Premium (12%) | Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| $500 | $60 | $120 minimum applies |
| $1,000 | $120 | $120 |
| $2,500 | $300 | $300 |
| $5,000 | $600 | $600 |
| $10,000 | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| $25,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| $50,000 | $6,000 | $6,000 |
Additional Fees You May See
Beyond the premium, there are two additional fees associated with A1 Affordable Bail Bonds:
- $25 administrative policy fee — standard processing fee
- $30 jail fee — charged by the jail at the time of release
These are disclosed upfront. There are no hidden charges and no surprises after the bond is posted.
The premium is not refundable. Once a bond is posted and your loved one is released, the premium is earned. This is true of every licensed bondsman in Louisiana — it is not unique to A1. The premium is the cost of the service, similar to an insurance premium.
Is the Premium the Same If I Use Collateral?
Yes. Whether you pay cash, use a payment plan, provide collateral, or have a co-signer, the premium rate is the same. The method of securing the bond affects logistics, not the price regulated by law.
What Happens to the Money If the Case Is Dismissed?
The premium paid to the bondsman is not returned regardless of the outcome of the case. The case being dismissed, charges being dropped, or a not-guilty verdict does not change the bondsman's fee — the service was the release from custody, and that service was rendered.
What does get returned — in certain circumstances — is any collateral pledged to secure the bond. When the case concludes and all court appearances have been made, collateral is released back to the person who provided it.
What to Watch Out For
Be cautious of anyone offering bail bonds significantly below the legal rate, demanding payments in unusual forms, or being vague about fees. Unlicensed bond activity does happen, and it puts families at serious risk — both legally and financially.
Ask any bondsman you call to confirm their license number and their surety company. At A1 Affordable Bail Bonds, we hold Trusted General Agent status under Palmetto Surety Corporation and are fully licensed in Louisiana.
Want a straight answer on what your specific bond will cost?
Call (985) 346-8337 — No PressureRelated: Payment plans and options · Bail bond FAQ