What Happens To Your Bail Money If You Are Found Guilty Of A Crime in Florida?

A court will require you to pay bail to secure your release from jail if you are arrested. Anyone can pay your bail. This includes family, friends and of course, a bail bondsman. You will now have what is called a bond. Consequently, the bond guarantees your presence in court. You also still must attend your scheduled hearing. Do the courts refund your money if you are found guilty?

BailOption has designed this article to help you understand that scenario. 

Will I Get My Bail Cash Back?

That depends on who you paid your money to. It also depends what happens during your case. If you used a bail bondsman, you will have to pay him a premium. That portion of the bond is non-refundable.

Is Your Court Case Still Pending?

You may get money back depending on the outcome of your court case. You will receive a refund if the charges were dropped or you were found not guilty.

A Bondsman Paid My Bail

The use of a bail bond company is a great option if you can’t afford bail. The bond company will require a fee paid upfront. It’s typically 10% of the full bail amount. Once that is paid, the bondsman can pay the bail and process your release or that of someone else. Money paid to the bond agent is payment for their services. Therefore, it is non-refundable and any refunded bail money goes back to them.

I Paid Someone Else’s Bail, Will I Get My Money Back?

If you posted bail for someone else, getting your money back may be difficult. So, now the court has found you or your friend guilty and it’s off to prison. You want your money back. You  need to inform their lawyer that it was you who paid. This will also avoid allowing the court to deduct the defendant’s court costs from it. However, this can’t be guaranteed. What happens to the money is ultimately up to the court system. Also, there is no guarantee that the defendant will hand over any refund they receive from the court.

If you paid someone’s bond, that money is gone. It is money paid to the bonding company for their services. At this point, any repayment of what you’ve spent is a personal matter between you and the accused.

What Are My Bail Options?

Go ahead and pay the full bail amount if you are feeling lucky that you will beat the charges. However, if you’re short on cash, contacting an experienced bondsman is the way to go. You’ll only be responsible for about 10% of the bail amount. The court will most likely process your release faster using a reputable bond compony. The bond company can get you out before you even see the judge. 

Have You Been Arrested Or Have Questions Bail Bonds?