Bail Bonds Money
Whether or not you get your bail money back depends on two factors: how the defendant meets their bail requirements, and how they paid for their bond. Defendants who pay cash bail directly to the court can expect their bail to be returned after all required court appearances have been made, and as long as they do not break any other conditions set by the court. However, if the defendant violates any of the conditions of their release, they can be re-arrested and their bail may be forfeited.
Alternatively, defendants can post bail through a bail bonds company. In exchange for an initial deposit, or premium, a bail bond company will guarantee that the accused person will appear at every scheduled court date. Bail bonds can be a great option for those who cannot afford to pay the entire bail amount upfront. When a person posts a bail bond, they are typically asked to provide property or other assets as collateral. However, if the defendant makes all of their court appearances, the property used as collateral will be released back to the owner.
If a defendant fails to make their court appearances or breaks any other condition of their bail, the bail bond company will file a notice of forfeiture with the courts and will have no choice but to return all the collateral they hold in order to cover the cost of the bond. The initial premium that is paid to the bail bond company is non-refundable, and can only be recovered at the end of the case, once all expenses and fees have been incurred.
What Happens to Bail Bonds Money?
If the defendant is convicted or found not guilty, their bail will be returned to the court. If the case is dismissed, the bail will be returned to the person who paid for it minus a small fee.
In other words, if you paid for someone’s bail and they made all their court appearances, and the case ended with no conviction, then the courts will return your money. However, if the person was found guilty, then that money will be kept by the court as it is considered a part of their sentence.
This is why it is so important to only use reputable, licensed bail agents. Those who work in the industry are well versed in the laws and guidelines of the state of New York, and will be able to advise you as to how the process works and the best way to move forward. In addition, they will always be transparent with their clients and provide clear, detailed receipts for all premiums and collateral that is provided. This will help to avoid any misunderstandings in the future. Having all this information on hand can make the whole bail process go much smoother. Getting bail can be an overwhelming experience, but the right agent will help you navigate the process. Contact our office today to get the answers you need!