What Happens to the Money After You Post Bail?
Some people have their first encounter with the court system because a friend or a loved one is arrested. The process starts right after a hearing in front of a judge to determine how much bail applies to their particular case. Defendants who are not released on their own recognizance will more than likely have to pay some amount of money to get out of jail. Bail is the amount that is deposited with the court to ensure that the individual will show up for all court proceedings. Paying bail to get out jail is a simple concept but can quickly become confusing. If you just posted bail for a loved one or a friend, and it was pretty expensive, you’re likely now wondering what happens to the money.
Bail Conditions
When the courts determine bail amounts for a defendant to pay to be released, they also typically impose limitations or requirements on the defendants. If the defendant violates the bail conditions, this could result in the police taking the defendant back into custody until trial and the bail money paid will be forfeited.
Most people are familiar with cash bail. If you have the money to pay bail after you are arrested you can get out of jail. Bail can be complex depending on the defendant's case and if the bail is a large amount.
Bail Bonds
If the defendant doesn’t have enough cash to post the entire bail amount, the court will accept a bail bond. A bail bond is a bail payment made on the defendant’s behalf by bail bond agent or bondsman. When the defendant uses a bail bond agent, they pay a fee to the agent and the agent will act as insurance, telling the court that they will pay the entire amount of bond if the defendant fails to show up to court.
The bail bond business model goes something like this: The bail bond agent makes money by collecting a fee from individuals who want to be bailed out. The fee is typically between 10 to 15 percent of the amount of bail. For example, if the court has asked for $10,000 in bail, the bail bond agent charges 10 percent or $1000 to post the bond.
Bail bond agents also require the defendant or the person who is paying the fee to provide collateral and sign a contract stating the terms of the agreement. The defendant or person will guarantee to pay the agent the $10,000 if the accused fails to appear. If the accused does go to trial, the court returns the bail bond agents bond and the agent keeps the $1000 fee for posting the bond.
Getting Bail Money Back
There are two outcomes when you pay bail - either it is released back to the payer or the bail is forfeited. Because bail is not a form of punishment, someone who pays bail is entitled to get their money returned if the accused complies with the bail terms and conditions. If the defendant is released from custody on bail, the bail will be repaid to you upon the conclusion of the case. The repayment of bail also depends on the type of bail and the jurisdiction it was paid in.
Call Blandon Bail Bonds
Do you need to post a large bail? Contact Blandon Bail Bonds we understand the stress you may be under. That’s why we make our process quick and simple! If someone you love is arrested, make sure they get the help they need as soon as possible. We work with you to make sure you get the help you need – FAST!
Call Blandon Bail Bonds today at 305-597-4595.