Are bail bonds returned?

When you’re faced with the option to post bail, you might be wondering, “Are bail bonds returned?” Since bail can be quite a bit of money, it’s only natural to wonder whether or not you’ll be getting some, all, or none of that money back.

Bail bonds are returned. Here’s how it works.

When it comes to bail, you normally have two options. 

In one scenario, you could pay the bail in full to the court. This means that either you or a loved one took money that you currently have and gave it directly to the court. Generally speaking, this usually isn’t possible. Bail can be a pretty high amount, and the average person doesn’t have the full bail amount readily available. However, let’s say that a few people came together and paid the bail on behalf of the person requiring bail. When all is said and done, the bail amount is returned in full (even if that person is found guilty of the crime in question).

In the second scenario, you could work with a bail bond agency to post bail. In this situation, you don’t have or don’t want to put up the full bail amount to the court. Instead, the bail bond agency charges you a percentage of the bail, and they post the full bail amount on your behalf. Even in this situation, the bail is returned by the court. However, the premium you paid to the bail bond agency is not returned. The bail bond agency keeps this fee as payment for posting your bail.

Check out some more frequently asked bail bond questions

Are bail bond companies open on the weekend?

Yes. Most bail bond companies are open 24/7/365. Bail bond companies understand that people are arrested outside of normal working hours, which is why you can get help from a bail bondsman in the middle of the night and even on the weekends. So, if you do call the jail and they say your friend or family member has not posted bond yet, rest assured you can get in contact with a bail bond company no matter what time or day it is.

Learn more: Are bail bond companies open 24 hours?

What information will a bail bondsman need?

If the bond still needs to be posted, then you’ll need to get in contact with a bail bond company and start gathering any necessary items that may be required to get the bond process started. This can include personal, employer, and reference information. 

Get help gathering all this information by checking out our list of bail bond information.

What qualifies as bail bond collateral?

There are many items you can use as collateral for a bond; however, choose these items carefully. There is a potential that these items could be forfeited if the arrestee fails to show up to court. These items can include jewelry, vehicles, real estate, and investments. 

Check out our full list of bail bond collateral options

Contact Cowboy Bail Bonds for more information on local bail bonds

At Cowboy Bail Bonds, we offer 24-hour bail bonds in Bakersfield, Taft, Shafter, Wasco, and other Kern County areas. If you’re looking for more information on Kern County bail bonds or if you need to get started on the bail bond process, give us a call or fill out our online form.