What Happens to the Money When You Post Bail?
Most people are aware that they can regain their freedom after being charged with a crime by posting bail. However, there is society-wide uncertainty as to what exactly happens to bail money after it is paid. Search the web for this specific subject matter, and you will find there is no shortage of half-truths, myths, and bald-faced lies. Let’s demystify the bail process, shining the spotlight on the little-known truth about what really happens to bail money.
How Bail Money Moves
Once the bail bond is posted, the court has reassurance that the defendant will return for his or her hearing rather than fleeing town or even the country to start a new life, potentially under a different identity in a faraway land. The bail money is paid when the case is currently active in the court system. However, there is a difference between bail money and the bail bond. The bail bond is a percentage of the total bail amount. Fees and collateral are not included in the bail bond. The court system holds onto the bail money after it is posted. This money is eventually returned to the party that posts bail if the defendant returns to court for the scheduled hearing or if the charges are dropped. However, if the defendant does not return for his or her scheduled court appearance, the court keeps the bail money. In such an event, the money is subsequently transmitted throughout local county and city governments for the greater good of society.
Paying Back the Bail Money Upon Court Compliance
If the defendant adheres to the court’s instructions after being charged, the bail money will be returned to the party that posted bail. These requirements are usually quite detailed, ranging from returning to court for a hearing to staying in the local community and avoiding contact with witnesses. The manner in which the money is returned depends on how the bail was paid. If a bondsman was paid to post bail, he will be owed a certain percentage of the bail amount.
An Example of Bail Money Movement
For clarity’s sake, let’s take a look at a quick example of what happens to bail money. Envision a scenario in which an alleged criminal is charged with felonious assault. This individual’s bail is set at $10,000. The defendant is a wage laborer who cannot afford to pay this egregiously large sum of money to regain his or her freedom. The defendant or a family member/friend reaches out to A Way Out Bail Bonds for assistance. A specific percentage of the bail is charged to the defendant for our bail bond services. This percentage is subject to change yet is often in the range of 10%. Let’s assume the defendant is charged a bail bond fee of 10%. This means he or she must pay a fee of $1,000 for A Way Out Bail Bonds to assume responsibility for the cost of the $10,000 bail in the event that the court’s rules pertaining to the defendant’s release are not fully adhered to. It might also be necessary to provide a form of collateral, such as an automobile or jewelry, as reassurance that the defendant will comply with all court rules. This collateral is returned when the court case concludes, regardless of whether the defendant is convicted or acquitted. The collateral is even returned if the charges are dropped. However, the service fee for bailing out the defendant remains with A Way Out Bail Bonds for our service.
A Way Out Bail Bonds Is on Your Side
If you, a friend, or a loved one ends up in jail, reach out to us today for prompt assistance. A Way Out Bail Bonds will bail you out of jail in Dallas or Arlington, restoring your freedom without drama or delay. Contact us today at 817-261-2828 for more information about posting bail during this difficult chapter of your life. If you prefer to reach us online, complete our contact form, and we will be in touch as soon as possible.