One of the ways to regain freedom following an arrest is by posting bail. If you attend all court dates, the court is legally required to refund the entire bail amount. The money is refunded to you or the bail bonds agency, depending on the type of bond posted. Here’s an overview of bail types and what happens to bail money in California:
What Types of Bail Do CA Courts Accept?
California courts accept three types of bail: cash, property, and bonds. Cash bail is the amount you pay out of your pocket to get released from jail. CA courts accept cash, bank cashier’s checks, and money orders. Property bonds are less popular but offer an option if you don’t have cash to secure your release from jail. The property’s equity must be at least twice the bail set by the court. Bail bonds are the most popular choice and involve working with a bond dealer or agency. The agency pays the bail amount on your behalf on the condition that you attend all court dates.
How Does Bail Money Work in California?
When you post bail in California, the court holds the money for the duration of your case. The amount is used to guarantee your appearance in court. Once all court dates have taken place, the court reviews your appearances to determine if you qualify for a full refund. If you attended on all dates, the bail amount will be refunded. CA courts may deduct administrative fees and other expenses from the bail amount. The amount is refunded to the party that posted it, which can be you or the bonding agency. If you fail to attend the court dates, the amount is forfeited to the courts.
What Happens to Forfeited Bail Money in CA?
Forfeited bond money kept by CA courts is divided among the state’s cities and counties according to the California penal code. Since missing court dates can result in forfeiting the bail amount, bonding agencies take additional measures to protect their investment. Some ask for collateral to provide security for the bail amount they pay on your behalf. If you forfeit the bail amount, the agency can sell the collateral to recover their money. Others use enforcement agents to track and bring you in when you fail to attend a court date.
Can California Courts Keep My Bail Money?
California courts can keep your bail money if you fail to attend court dates or are found guilty. For missed court dates, the bail is forfeited automatically. When you’re found guilty, the money covers fines and restitutions. If you’re found not guilty or the case is dismissed, the court must refund the bail amount.
What Happens If I Use a Bonding Agency?
Bonding agencies offer to post bail on your behalf. This option is ideal when you don’t have cash or property to cover the amount set by the courts. Working with a bondsman also frees your money for other uses. Court cases can take months or even years to settle, and bail refunds take several weeks. If you use a bonding agency, you only pay a small, non-refundable percentage of the bail amount. The bonding company covers the rest.
Secure Your Freedom With a Bail Bonds Agency
CA courts can let you out of jail if you pay the amount set in your bail hearing. After posting bail, attend all court hearings to get a full refund once the case is settled. The amount you receive will depend on how the case is resolved. Contact a bonding company today to find out more about bail bonds and how to secure your freedom
