How to Get Your Bail Bond Money Back
If you helped out a friend or family member by posting money for their bail bond, you are likely wondering how you go about getting the money back. When and how you get your bail bond money back is dependent on whether you paid the court directly, or enlisted the services of a bail bondsman.
- Review your bail payment. This will let you know whether you paid the court directly or made a payment to a bail bondsman. If you made a payment directly to the court, you will receive a full refund in the event of an acquittal. If you paid a bail bondsman, you can expect to receive the full amount minus the bondsman's fee, which is typically 10 percent of the amount of bail posted.
- Learn the status of the defendant's case. In order for you to receive your bail money back, the defendant must be acquitted of all charges or the charges must be dropped. If the defendant is found guilty, then the bail money is applied to his or her court fees. In this case, you will not receive the bail money back. Contact the court to learn of the details of the defendant's case. The court will let you know the status of the case, whether it has been tried or not, and the date that the verdict was given if it has been closed.
- Keep your contact information up-to-date. Since the process of receiving a refund is often long, contact the court right away if your contact information, including address or phone number, has changed.
- Wait the required time period. In most cases, you will receive a refund from the court within two to six weeks. Refunds are generally given through a check sent in the mail. If you have not received your refund after the six week timeframe, contact the court to inquire about it's status.