What is a Bond?
A bond in a criminal case is a financial promise that a defendant will appear at all future court hearings. When a person is arrested, the Court sets release conditions at the initial appearance. If the Court orders a bond, the defendant remains in custody until that bond is properly posted.
Important facts about criminal bonds in Maricopa County:
- Bonds are never requested by phone, text message, email, or social media.
- Bonds cannot be paid electronically (for example, via Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, or wire transfer).
- Bonds are posted in person only with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).
- After a bond is paid, release processing may take up to 24 hours.
- If a defendant fails to appear for a hearing, the Court may forfeit the bond.
How to Pay Maricopa County Criminal Bonds
Bonds and fines may be paid in person only at:
Fourth Avenue Jail – Bond and Fine Room
201 S. 4th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Northwest corner of the building
Beware of Bond Scams
Criminals contact family members or friends of a defendant and:
- Claim to be court staff or law enforcement
- Say a bond must be paid immediately to secure release
- Promise faster release or electronic monitoring equipment
- Provide instructions to send money electronically
- Use multiple phone numbers and urgent language to pressure payment
It is a scam if:
- You are asked to pay a bond by phone, text, or online
- You are told to use Zelle or another electronic payment app
- The caller pressures you to act immediately
- The caller asks for personal or financial information
It is legitimate only if:
- You are paying the bond in person
- Payment is made directly through the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office
- No one contacts you requesting payment electronically
If you are contacted about posting a bond:
- Hang up immediately and do not respond to texts or messages.
- Do not provide any personal or financial information.
- Verify the information using official phone numbers:
- Criminal Information Desk: 602-506-8575
- MCSO Sheriff’s Information Management Services (SIMS): 602-876-0322