Will I Get My Bail Money Back?

Bailing your friend or loved one out can be an expensive task, and you won’t always have your money returned. This quick guide will give you a better idea of whether you can expect to have your bail bond money returned to you.

Cash Bail
If you paid cash bail to the court, meaning you paid the full bail amount, you will have that money returned to you after the defendant makes all required court appearances. If the person does not show up in court, that money will be forfeited and you will not see it again. And if the defendant gets arrested again while out on bail, no refund will be given. 

If a defendant is found not guilty, the bond is discharged; if the defendant pleads guilty, the bond is discharged at the time of sentencing. 

Surety Bail
Enlisting a bail agent to write a surety bond for the defendant is less expensive than cash bail because you only have to pay 8-12% of the total amount. But this money you pay to the bail agent - known as a “premium” - is non-refundable. The premium is a fee for the bail agent’s services to manage the defendant and make sure he or she shows up to all required court appearances.

Property Bond
If you secured a property bond, it means you offered the real value of your property to the court in exchange for the defendant’s release. Property bonds are similar to cash bail in that the court will legally seize the property if the person does not show up in court.

If you need a bail bond, AboutBail.com’s trusted network of bail professionals will direct you to a qualified bail agency in your area. Click here to search for a professional bail agent.