Your Rights When Posting Bond at Arapahoe County Jail (Fees, Six-Hour Rule, Complaints)

If your loved one has a money bond at Arapahoe County Jail, you only need to pay the bond amount itself. That's it. Bond fees, booking fees, other debts - none of those are required to secure their release. If someone mentions outstanding balances or "owed" amounts, know this: those aren't lawful reasons to hold someone when a money bond is ready to post.

• ✓ A $10 bond fee (may be charged as a debt after release if the payor doesn’t pay it at the time of bonding)
• ✓ A credit card payment fee up to a maximum of 3.5% (may be charged as a debt after release if the payor doesn’t pay it at the time of bonding)
• ✓ No other bond-related fees may be charged at any time, including kiosk fees or fees for paying by cash, check, or money order

Make the payment out to the holding county - not the incarcerated person's name. Getting this wrong creates delays at the worst possible moment. Before you hand anything over, double-check the "pay to" line.

When the court sets a personal recognizance (PR) bond, the sheriff must release the defendant within six hours after the bond is set and the defendant returns to jail - unless extraordinary circumstances exist. Once both conditions are met, the clock starts. Release should happen within that six-hour window.

For cash bonds, the sheriff must release the defendant within six hours after three things happen: the bond is set, the defendant returns to jail, and someone notifies the jail that the bond is ready to post. That notification step matters - the six-hour clock doesn't start until the jail knows you're prepared to pay.

1. Write down the key times - note when the bond was set, when your loved one returned to the jail (if you know), and when the jail was notified that the bond was ready to be posted (for cash bonds).
2. Ask to speak with an on-duty supervisor - if the six-hour window has passed, request a clear explanation of what is causing the delay.
3. Be specific about the rule - explain whether this is a PR bond (release due within six hours after it’s set and the person returns to jail) or a cash bond (release due within six hours after it’s set, the person returns, and the jail has been notified the bond is ready).
4. Document what you’re told - write down names (if provided), the time you called or spoke with staff, and the reason given for the delay.
5. Move to a formal complaint if needed - if you can’t get a straight answer or the delay continues, use the complaint options listed below.

When you post a money bond, you have the right to a copy of the bond paperwork, including the next court date. Keep those papers somewhere safe and snap a clear photo. You'll need these details to confirm conditions, dates, and what was actually paid.