What Happens to the Bail Money When Bail Is Posted?
Have you ever wondered what happens to the money paid to the court to post bail after someone is jailed for allegedly committing a crime? It depends on a number of factors. Let’s take a look at where bail money goes after payment.
An Inside Look at What Happens to Bail Money
Bail is similar to a surety in that it provides the court with reassurance that the defendant will return for a subsequent hearing. The money paid to post bail is temporarily provided to the court. The funds are refunded to the defendant following the criminal case. However, there is the potential for the court to retain the money if the defendant does not comply. A defendant who fails to appear or violates a bail condition imposed by the judge will forfeit his or her bail money. Such a misstep will also result in the defendant being sent back to jail. In short, the money paid to cover bail provides the defendant with financial incentive to return to court to face the charges for the alleged crime.
Where Is Bail Money Held as the Legal Process Plays Out?
The money paid in the form of bail is held by the court as justice takes its course. This means the court holds onto every last penny of the bail money until the defendant returns to court for his or her hearing and also complies with the rest of the rules issued by the judge. However, the court must return the funds to the defendant after he or she returns to court and complies with the rules of the court. However, if the defendant does not show to his or her court appearance, the court holds onto the money. In such a situation, the money that the court makes from the forfeited bail is typically spent at the county and city levels for the betterment of the community.
Getting the Bail Money Back
The manner in which bail money is returned is determined by which party actually paid the bail. As an example, most defendants rely on a bondsman to post the bail amount. Most bondsmen typically require a fee of around 10% of the amount of bail. This means the defendant is required to pay the bondsman’s fee in full before the bail-bonding process is complete. In exchange for this fee, the bondsman covers the balance of the bail amount. However, collateral is often required to minimize the bondsman’s risk as there is always a chance the defendant will jump town. Collateral can take the form of an automobile, personal property, or other items that have legitimate value. Pay the bail bondsman fee, and your bail money will be returned to you as long as you showed up to court as required and complied with the rules established by the court.
The individual who posts bail will be provided with the money after the charges are dropped or the defendant is acquitted. The money is typically returned through the mailing of a check. This is precisely why it is important that the USPS address provided to the court is accurate. Bail refund checks are typically mailed within one to two months. However, if your bail refund check does not arrive within six to eight weeks, you should consider notifying the court of the issues to find out what might be causing the delay.
Why It Makes Sense to Use a Bail Agent
The stakes are high after your arrest. The last thing you need is an extended stay in jail, a hit to your finances, and a guilty verdict. Our bail experts are here to help. We will expedite your release from jail and help you return your life to normal as quickly as possible. Though we obtain a small fee from this process, your freedom is truly invaluable.
Just Bail Bonds Is at Your Service
If you or a loved one ends up in jail, do not lose hope. Be proactive and contact Just Bail Bonds for assistance. You can reach our bail bonds specialists by phone at (817) 303-3400 (Tarrant County) or (214) 495-1363 (Dallas County).