The Standard Bail Schedule for Johnson County, Indiana

Getting that call—a loved one has been arrested in Johnson County—can leave you scared, confused, and unsure of where to turn. One of the first questions on your mind is likely about bail: How much will it cost, and how do you get someone released?

This guide breaks down the standard bail schedule for Johnson County, Indiana. You’ll learn what bail is, how it’s set, the specific amounts tied to different charges, and the steps for securing a release. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a serious felony, knowing how the system works can bring a little clarity to a stressful situation.

Bail in Johnson County: The Basics

Before looking at specific dollar amounts, it helps to know what bail actually is and how the courts decide on a figure.

What Is Bail?

Bail is an amount of money set by the court that allows a person who’s been arrested to be released from jail while their case moves through the legal system. Think of it as a financial promise. By posting bail, the defendant agrees to show up for all required court dates. If they appear as ordered, the case proceeds. If they skip court, they risk losing the money and facing a new warrant for their arrest.

How Bail Is Set in Johnson County

Johnson County uses a standard bail bond schedule to keep the process consistent. When someone is arrested without a warrant, the bond amount listed in the schedule typically applies—unless a judge has already set a different amount in a warrant or by court order.

It’s worth knowing that on January 1, 2025, Johnson County moved to a cash-only bond schedule. Surety bonds were removed from the standard schedule. Today, all bonds may be posted in full in cash, or at 10% of the full amount in cash, according to the county’s local court rules.

Any bail amount set under the standard schedule can be reviewed by a judicial officer if either party submits a written request. The schedule also does not apply to juveniles charged with delinquent or status offenses.

The Johnson County Standard Bail Schedule

The county’s standard schedule ties a set bond amount to each charge level. Here’s how those amounts break down.

Common Misdemeanor Bail Amounts

Misdemeanors are less serious offenses, and their bail amounts reflect that. Under the current Johnson County schedule:

Class A Misdemeanor: $5,000 cash
Class B Misdemeanor: $3,500 cash
Class C Misdemeanor: $2,500 cash

Felony Bail Amounts in Johnson County

Felonies carry higher bail amounts that increase with the severity of the charge. The current schedule lists:

Murder: No bond
Level 1 Felony: $100,000 cash
Level 2 Felony: $75,000 cash
Level 3 Felony: $55,000 cash
Level 4 Felony: $35,000 cash
Level 5 Felony: $15,000 cash
Level 6 Felony: $10,000 cash

The schedule also includes amounts for charges filed under Indiana’s pre-2014 criminal code, such as a Class A Felony ($150,000 cash), Class B Felony ($75,000 cash), Class C Felony ($25,000 cash), and Class D Felony ($10,000 cash).

Traffic Offense Bail Schedule

Traffic offenses aren’t listed as their own separate category in the Johnson County schedule. Instead, they fall under the existing structure based on how the charge is classified. Minor traffic violations are usually infractions, which are civil matters that don’t require bail.

More serious traffic offenses—like operating while intoxicated or driving as a habitual traffic violator—may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies. In those cases, the bail amount matches the corresponding misdemeanor or felony level above.

Factors That Influence Bail Beyond the Schedule

The standard schedule is a starting point, not the final word. A judge can adjust a bail amount based on several factors.

Criminal History

A person’s record matters. If a defendant is already out on bail, on probation, or on parole for another offense, the standard schedule may not apply at all. In those situations, the person can be held for up to 15 calendar days while the court determines the appropriate bond, if any.

Flight Risk Assessment

Courts want assurance that a defendant will return for their court dates. Someone considered a higher flight risk may face a steeper bail amount. Johnson County also uses pretrial release risk assessments to help decide whether certain defendants can be released under supervision.

Severity of the Crime

The nature of the charge plays a big role. Certain circumstances raise the stakes—for example, if a charge includes resisting law enforcement, the bail amount is doubled. A second offense involving allegations of domestic violence may result in being held without bond until a judge sets the amount at the first court appearance.

How to Pay Bail in Johnson County

Once a bail amount is set, there are a few ways to handle payment.

Cash Bail

Under the current cash-only system, you can pay the full bond amount in cash, or 10% of the full amount in cash. Cash bonds are held by the court clerk and treated as the defendant’s personal asset. The court may apply that money toward fines, court costs, restitution, or other fees during the case.

Property Bonds

A property bond uses real estate as collateral to secure a defendant’s release. This option places a lien on the property for the bail amount. Property bonds are not part of Johnson County’s standard cash-only schedule and would require a specific court order, so it’s best to confirm availability with the court or a bail professional.

Bail Bonds

A Johnson County bail bondsman helps families post bail and walks them through every step of the process. They explain the paperwork, clarify what’s owed, and help arrange release as fast as possible. For cases where a judge orders a surety bond, or for arrests in surrounding counties where surety bonds are still permitted, a bondsman can post the bond on a defendant’s behalf.

What Happens After Bail Is Posted?

Posting bail is the first step, not the last. There are conditions every defendant must follow.

Court Appearances

The most important rule is simple: show up. A released defendant must appear at every required court date. They also can’t leave the state of Indiana without prior written approval from the court, and they must keep their attorney and the court updated on any change to their address, phone number, or email.

Bail Forfeiture

Breaking the conditions of release has consequences. If a defendant fails to appear or commits a new offense, the court can revoke their release and issue a warrant for re-arrest. Money posted as a cash bond may also be forfeited.

Frequently Asked Questions About Johnson County Bail

Is Johnson County cash-only for bail?

Yes. As of January 1, 2025, Johnson County moved to a cash-only bond schedule. Surety bonds were removed from the standard schedule. Bonds can be posted in full in cash or at 10% of the full amount in cash.

Can a judge change the standard bail amount?

Yes. The standard schedule is a default. A judge can set a different amount in a warrant or by court order, and either party can request a review of the bail amount in writing.

What happens to my cash bond money?

Cash bonds are held in trust by the court clerk and treated as the defendant’s personal asset. The court may apply the funds toward fines, court costs, restitution, and other fees tied to the case.

Does the bail schedule apply to juveniles?

No. The Johnson County Standard Bail Bond Schedule does not apply to anyone charged with juvenile delinquent or juvenile status offenses.

What if there are multiple charges?

For felonies and Class A misdemeanors, bail amounts are typically added together. Class B and C misdemeanors are usually grouped into one combined amount.

Securing Release in Johnson County

The bail process can feel overwhelming, especially when someone you care about is sitting in jail. Knowing the standard schedule, the factors that affect bail, and your payment options puts you in a stronger position to act fast and make informed decisions.

When every minute counts, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Woods Bail Bonds offers immediate bail bond service in Johnson County, Indiana, and is open 24/7 to take your call. Reach out anytime—day or night—and let an experienced local team help you bring your loved one home.

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