Understanding What Happens When Your Case Closes While Out on Bond

If you are out on bond and your case closes, such as when it is dismissed, you are left with several important considerations regarding your bond and the fees involved. Understanding these processes is crucial to ensure you do not overpay or face any misunderstanding with your bail bondsman.

The Role of the Bail Bondsman

When you are out on bond, a bail bondsman has supplied a bond to the court to cover the required bail amount. This typically means that the bondsman has a fee, often 10%, to provide this service. This fee is initially paid to the bondsman and is non-refundable unless the case is handled in a certain way.

What Happens if the Case is Dismissed

If your case is dismissed, the bond will be returned to the bondsman. In this scenario, you do not get a refund of your initial fee to the bondsman, and you have no further obligation to them in your case. This is important to note because many people mistakenly believe they will receive some form of refund, which is not typically the case.

What Happens if Your Case Does Not Close

If your case does not close, such as when it goes to trial, the bond will be held until you are freed, even if you are found innocent. If you are found guilty, the bond may continue to be held until sentencing. The key here is consistency in your court appearances. As long as you fulfill your obligations, you do not have to worry about additional payments or fees.

What Happens if Your Bail Needs to Be Increased

One important detail to understand is that if the court decides to increase your bail amount, you will need to get a new bond with the new amount from the same or a different bondsman. This requires a new fee, which is typically the same percentage as the original bond. This additional fee is separate from the initial fee you paid and is necessary to cover the increased bail.

Conclusion

Understanding the processes involved with a bail bond is crucial whether your case is dismissed or not. Overall, if your case closes with a dismissal, the bond is returned to the bondsman, and you do not receive a refund. In cases that do not close, the bond is held until further notice, and if your bail is increased, a new bond and fee are required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get a refund of the initial fee I paid to the bondsman?
A: No, typically, you do not receive a refund of the initial fee unless the case is dismissed. The fee is a service charge for providing the bond to the court.

Q: What should I do if I am found guilty during my trial?
A: If you are found guilty, the bond may be held until the sentencing. It is essential to attend all court dates and cooperate with your bondsman.

Q: What if the court increases my bail amount?
A: You will need to get a new bond with the increased amount and pay a new fee. This process is separate from your initial bond and fee.