--- title: Felony vs. Misdemeanor Bail Bonds in NC description: Understand the key differences between misdemeanor and felony bail bonds in North Carolina, including costs, timelines, and what to expect for your loved one’s release. image: https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/hubfs/undefined-3.jpeg --- We're open 24/7! [![Horizontal Main Color Logo](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/hubfs/Horizontal%20Main%20Color%20Logo.svg) ![Horizontal Main Color Logo](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/hubfs/Horizontal%20Main%20Color%20Logo.svg)](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com) [![Horizontal Main Color Logo](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/hubfs/Horizontal%20Main%20Color%20Logo.svg)](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com) - [About Us](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/about) - Locations - [Raleigh NC Bail Bonds](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/locations/raleigh-nc-bail-bonds) - [Durham NC Bail Bonds](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/locations/durham-nc-bail-bonds) - [Smithfield NC Bail Bonds](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/locations/smithfield-nc-bail-bonds) - [Goldsboro NC Bail Bonds](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/locations/goldsboro-nc-bail-bonds) - [Clinton NC Bail Bonds](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/locations/clinton-nc-bail-bonds) - [Kenansville NC Bail Bonds](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/locations/kenansville-nc-bail-bonds) - [Lillington NC Bail Bonds](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/locations/lillington-nc-bail-bonds) - [FAQs](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/bond-faqs) - [Blog](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/blog) - [Bond Application](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/bond-application) - [Contact](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/contact) - [About Us](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/about) - Locations - [Raleigh NC Bail Bonds](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/locations/raleigh-nc-bail-bonds) - [Durham NC Bail Bonds](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/locations/durham-nc-bail-bonds) - [Smithfield NC Bail Bonds](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/locations/smithfield-nc-bail-bonds) - [Goldsboro NC Bail Bonds](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/locations/goldsboro-nc-bail-bonds) - [Clinton NC Bail Bonds](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/locations/clinton-nc-bail-bonds) - [Kenansville NC Bail Bonds](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/locations/kenansville-nc-bail-bonds) - [Lillington NC Bail Bonds](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/locations/lillington-nc-bail-bonds) - [FAQs](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/bond-faqs) - [Blog](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/blog) - [Bond Application](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/bond-application) - [Contact](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/contact) [Call Big Mike](tel:9199345656) # Felony vs. Misdemeanor Bail Bonds in NC ![Big Mike](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/hubfs/big-mike-02.jpeg) by [Big Mike](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/blog/author/big-mike) September 24, 2026 The charge comes back and it's either a misdemeanor or a felony, and that one word changes everything about what happens next. Families often assume bail works the same way no matter the charge. It doesn't. The amount, the timeline, and even who decides the bail can look completely different depending on which category the charge falls into. Here's the breakdown so you know what to expect, whether it's a first-time misdemeanor or something more serious. ## **Quick Answer: How Do Felony and Misdemeanor Bail Bonds Differ in NC?** In North Carolina, misdemeanor charges are often covered by a standard bond schedule, meaning a magistrate can set bail quickly using preset amounts without waiting on a judge. Felony charges usually involve higher bail amounts, more scrutiny of the case, and sometimes a wait for a judge's review. In both cases: - The arrested person [must be taken before a magistrate without unnecessary](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_15a/GS_15a-511.html)delay under NC law - Bail is set based on the charge, the person's record, and [other factors](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/BySection/Chapter_15A/GS_15A-534.pdf) - A licensed bondsman can post either type of bond once bail is set Whichever category you're dealing with, call Big Mike at (919) 934-5656 and we'll tell you exactly where things stand. ## **Misdemeanor Bail: Usually Faster** Many North Carolina counties use standard bond schedules, preset bail amounts tied to common misdemeanor charges like disorderly conduct, simple possession, or a first DWI. The[NC Judicial Branch publishes bail and pretrial release policies by county and judicial district](https://www.nccourts.gov/documents/local-rules-and-forms/bail-and-pre-trial-release-policy), including the bond schedules magistrates use for common charges. That means a magistrate can set bail right away, sometimes before a courthouse even opens for the day. This is why misdemeanor bonds often move faster than families expect. If you want to see how this works in practice, our[bail bonds FAQs page](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/bond-faqs) walks through it step by step. ## **Felony Bail: More Scrutiny, Usually Higher Amounts** Felony charges are treated differently. Bail tends to be higher, and a magistrate or judge weighs more factors before setting it, things like the nature of the charge, prior record, ties to the community, and whether the case involves any safety concerns. Under North Carolina law, the arrested person still must be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay, but the bail amount itself often takes more consideration, and in some cases a judge reviews the conditions further down the line rather than a magistrate handling it alone. ## **Why the Difference Matters to Your Family** This distinction affects two things families care about most: how fast release can happen, and how much it will cost. A misdemeanor bond might be posted within hours using a preset schedule. A felony bond can take longer and cost more, simply because the court is weighing more before setting the number. Neither situation means release is guaranteed, bail can still be denied or set very high in serious cases, but knowing which category applies helps you know what to expect and how to plan. Need help right now? Not sure which category your case falls under? We'll tell you straight. Big Mike is available 24/7 to check the bail amount, explain what's happening, and get the bond moving, as low as 3% down either way. [Call Big Mike: (919) 934-5656](tel:9199345656) ## **What Stays the Same Either Way** Regardless of whether it's a misdemeanor or a felony, a few things don't change: - Big Mike can post the bond once the amount is set, whichever type it is - Payment plans and as low as 3% down are available for either category - The cosigner takes on the same responsibility either way, making sure the defendant appears in court - The presumption of innocence applies the whole way through, a charge is not a conviction ## **Getting a Straight Answer Fast** The hardest part is usually not knowing which situation you're in. Big Mike can check with the jail, confirm the charge type and bail amount, and explain exactly what's ahead, whether that means a quick bond off a standard schedule or a more involved felony bond. Families across Wake, Durham, Johnston, Wayne, Sampson, Duplin, and Harnett counties can [reach our team directly](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/#:~:text=GET%20STARTED-,OPEN%207%20DAYS%20A%20WEEK%2C%2024%20HOURS%20A%20DAY,Learn%20more%20%3E,-17), ## **One Call Gets You a Real Answer** Whether it's a misdemeanor or a felony, the path forward starts the same way: a call to find out exactly where things stand. Big Mike has helped thousands of NC families through both kinds of cases, with no judgment about the charge and no runaround about the process. Open 24/7 across Central & Eastern NC Let's find out exactly what your case needs. Big Mike Bail Bonds handles misdemeanor and felony bonds across Central and Eastern NC, as low as 3% down, with no judgment and fast, honest answers. [Call Big Mike: (919) 934-5656](tel:9199345656) [Or start the bond application online →](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/bond-application) ###### Tags: [Posting Bail,](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/blog/tag/posting-bail) [The Bail Process,](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/blog/tag/the-bail-process) [NC Bail Laws,](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/blog/tag/nc-bail-laws) [Felony,](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/blog/tag/felony) [Misdemeanor](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/blog/tag/misdemeanor) ![Big Mike](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/hubfs/big-mike-02.jpeg) Post by [Big Mike](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/blog/author/big-mike) September 24, 2026 ![The-Dos-and-Donts-of-Posting-Bail](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/The-Dos-and-Donts-of-Posting-Bail.jpeg?width=2400&height=1200&name=The-Dos-and-Donts-of-Posting-Bail.jpeg) ### Don't Let Your Loved One Spend Another Night in Jail. As low as 3% down gets them out, fast. Message us for details. **Our Integrity Promise: We Do What We Say We Are Going To Do.** [![BIMI-Logo-White](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BIMI-2024/Assets/BIMI-Logo-White.png?width=302&height=172&name=BIMI-Logo-White.png)](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/) - [About](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/about) - [Locations](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/about#locations) - [Faq](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/bond-faqs) - [Bond Application](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/bond-application) - [Blog](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/blog) - [Contact](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/contact) - [Raleigh NC Bail Bonds](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/locations/raleigh-nc-bail-bonds) - [Durham NC Bail Bonds](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/locations/durham-nc-bail-bonds) - [Smithfield NC Bail Bonds](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/locations/smithfield-nc-bail-bonds) - [Goldsboro NC Bail Bonds](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/locations/goldsboro-nc-bail-bonds) - [Clinton NC Bail Bonds](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/locations/clinton-nc-bail-bonds) - [Kenansville NC Bail Bonds](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/locations/kenansville-nc-bail-bonds) - [Lillington NC Bail Bonds](https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/locations/lillington-nc-bail-bonds) [CALL BIG MIKE](tel:9199345656) © Big Mike Bail Bonds 2026, All Rights Reserved, Powered by [TDG](https://www.diamond-group.co) ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org/", "@type" : "Article", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Big Mike", "url" : "https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/blog/author/big-mike" }, "dateModified" : "2026-10-08T7:12:41 PM", "datePublished" : "2026-09-24T12:00:00 PM", "description" : "Understand the key differences between misdemeanor and felony bail bonds in North Carolina, including costs, timelines, and what to expect for your loved one’s release.", "headline" : "Felony vs. Misdemeanor Bail Bonds in NC", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://22819305.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22819305/favicon.svg" }, "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/blog/felony-vs.-misdemeanor-bail-bonds-in-nc", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "name" : "Felony vs. Misdemeanor Bail Bonds in NC", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "name" : "" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Big Mike", "url" : "https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/blog/author/big-mike" }, "dateModified" : "2026-10-08T19:12:41.978Z", "datePublished" : "2026-09-24T12:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Felony vs. Misdemeanor Bail Bonds in NC", "image" : [ "https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/hubfs/undefined-3.jpeg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/blog/felony-vs.-misdemeanor-bail-bonds-in-nc", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/hubfs/Main%20Logo%201.58.29%20PM%201.58.29%20PM%201.58.29%20PM.png" }, "name" : "Big Mike Bail Bonds" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/#organization", "@type" : "Organization", "areaServed" : [ { "@type" : "AdministrativeArea", "name" : "Wake County, North Carolina" }, { "@type" : "AdministrativeArea", "name" : "Durham County, North Carolina" }, { "@type" : "AdministrativeArea", "name" : "Johnston County, North Carolina" }, { "@type" : "AdministrativeArea", "name" : "Wayne County, North Carolina" }, { "@type" : "AdministrativeArea", "name" : "Sampson County, North Carolina" }, { "@type" : "AdministrativeArea", "name" : "Duplin County, North Carolina" }, { "@type" : "AdministrativeArea", "name" : "Harnett County, North Carolina" } ], "contactPoint" : [ { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : "US-NC", "availableLanguage" : [ "English" ], "contactType" : "customer service", "hoursAvailable" : { "@type" : "OpeningHoursSpecification", "closes" : "23:59", "dayOfWeek" : [ "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday", "Saturday", "Sunday" ], "opens" : "00:00" }, "telephone" : "+1-919-934-5656" } ], "description" : "Big Mike Bail Bonds is a 24/7 bail bond company serving Central and Eastern North Carolina, with locations in Raleigh, Durham, Smithfield, Goldsboro, Clinton, Kenansville, and Lillington.", "image" : { "@id" : "https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/#logo" }, "knowsAbout" : [ "Bail bonds", "Secured bonds", "Unsecured bonds", "Written promise to appear", "Cosigner responsibilities", "Collateral", "North Carolina bail process" ], "logo" : { "@id" : "https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/#logo", "@type" : "ImageObject", "caption" : "Big Mike Bail Bonds", "url" : "https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/hubfs/Horizontal%20Main%20Color%20Logo.svg" }, "name" : "Big Mike Bail Bonds", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/BigMikeBailBonds/", "https://www.instagram.com/bigmikebailbonds/" ], "slogan" : "Freedom shouldn't wait, and it shouldn't break the bank.", "telephone" : "+1-919-934-5656", "url" : "https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/#website", "@type" : "WebSite", "inLanguage" : "en-US", "name" : "Big Mike Bail Bonds", "publisher" : { "@id" : "https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/#organization" }, "url" : "https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.bigmikebailbonds.com/blog#blog", "@type" : [ "CollectionPage", "Blog" ], "description" : "Straight answers about bail bonds in North Carolina, from how bail works to what happens if court is missed. 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