Do You Get Your Money Back After Bailing Someone Out Of Jail?
Posted on: 18 August 2015
If you put your credit on the line to get a quick bail bond for a loved one, then you probably want to know when you are getting your money back. A bail bond is an insurance policy that guarantees that a defendant makes court appearances until the case is completed. Here are three things that will determine whether you receive your money.
Cash Bond
A cash bond is when you pay the full amount of the bond in cash. It includes the full amount of the bond and, depending on where you live, a small nonrefundable sheriff's fee of $20.00 or so. It depends on your local city on whether or not you have to pay the sheriff's fee.
When you post a cash bond, you take the risk of not getting all your money back. The law allows the court system to use money from the bail to cover any fines that the defendant has to pay. If there is any money left over, then you will not receive it back until the trial is finished. A cash bond does not require the services of a bail bondsman. If you need instructions on how to post bail, then you should call your local sheriff's office.
Surety Bond
A surety bond is a contract between you and the bail bondsman, such as Chesterfield Bonding. This contract is backed by an agreement with an insurance company.
There has to be collateral or cash to cover the full bond in case the defendant does not show up to court. The bondsman has to be licensed by the State Department of Insurance to post a surety bond. If you post a surety bond, then you will not get back the Sheriff's fee or the bondsman's fee. According to Law Collective, bondsman charges 10 percent of the total bail and collateral in addition to the fee. This mean you get back what is left over after all fees are taken out of the bond money.
Appearance Bond
An appearance bond is when the defendant makes a written agreement to show up for court dates and agree to pay a certain amount if he breaks the agreement. The three types of appearance bonds are the secured, partially secured and the unsecured. A secured appearance bond is when you post the full amount of the bond. A partially secured appearance bond is when you post a percentage of the bond. An unsecured appearance bond is when you make an agreement to pay the bond without putting up any money. If you are able to get any money back, then it will depend on your fees and the type agreement.
No one wants to go to jail and would like to get out as soon as possible. If you are asked to post bail for a loved one, then you should explore your options. You should never agree to post bail without understanding that you may not get the money back.
Share