Do You Get Bail Money Back? Everything You Need to Know

When the person you bailed out shows up for court at the appointed date, you get your bail money back. You get almost 100% of the bail money returned if you paid the court the bail amount.

But!

If you paid a bail bonds company a portion of the full amount, then the money you gave the bail bond agents is their fee for posting the full amount of bail for you. It is a non-refundable amount.

What is the Purpose of Bail?

Basically, bail is an agreement between you and the court. People consider bail bonds a ‘fine.’ But its money is given as assurance to the court that you will show up to trial at your appointed court date if you get out of jail.

The bail money will be forfeit if you don’t appear during the court procedures. Whether guilty or not, you must attend court on all required dates.

The Difference Between Bail & Bond

You have to distinguish the difference between bail and bond to determine whether you’ll get the money back.

Bail 

It is the money your family members and friends paid to the court. This money secures your release from jail.

Bond 

It is money posted by a bonding agency to get out of jail.

So, when you refer to a bail bond, you are referring to an agency that will cover your bail with a bond.

Do You Get Bail Money Back If You Didn’t Meet All Bail Conditions?

The court will set out a list of what is expected while you’re out on bail. It ensures you attend all your court hearings in many circumstances.

Although, if the charge relates to your relationship with certain people, you may be required not to contact them. Along with it, you are not allowed to leave the state, or it’s necessary to attend an alcohol or drug program.

You will lose your bail money if you don’t meet all the requirements set forth by the court. You should be aware of this at the time of posting bail.

If You Did Meet All of the Conditions of Bail

What happens if you meet all the conditions of bail?

Whether you get money returned to you and how much depends on how you pay your bail.

You would not get your money back if you did not meet all bail conditions. In fact, you will face further consequences.

If You or Your Family Member Paid the Bail in Cash Without the Help of a Bondsman

You will get your money back at the end of the case. In this case, you have complied with everything asked of you. However, you will have to request this separately.

If You Put a Lien on Property for Your Release

Once the case completes, you can get the lien taken off if you compile everything you ask.

If You Used a Bondsman

If you use a bail bond agent, you typically don’t receive any money back at the end of the case, regardless of if you find innocent or guilty.

If You Used a Bondsman and the Arrest Was a Mistake

Sometimes, people get arrested even if they have made no mistake. They get arrested and wrongfully accused of a crime. It’s an unpleasant time for everyone.

If you were wrongly charged and you paid a bail bond agent a percentage of your bail to release from jail. But! You will not get a refund because your bail bondsman has done his job.

Will I Get the Bail Money Back?

You get 100% of your bail binds money back (some court fees will deduct) if you pay it directly to the court. If you choose bondsman, you pay the bail bond agent a commission fee for fronting the money. Also, that fee is non-refundable.

Is your loved one arrested? Do you want to get them out of jail? If so, contact us now! Let us discuss how we can help you! We are available 24×7.