What Happens to Bail Money If Charges Are Dropped?

New Haven CT

07 October, 2021

9:51 AM

Description

It is common for people to get invited as suspects during an ongoing investigation. Sometimes, things can get a little complicated and result in an arrest and detention. Detained suspects may also be processed into the court system and made to appear in court. All of these inconveniences can impact you in a lot of ways and can also cause you to lose your freedom. If you have been arrested, detained, and arraigned in court, chances are high that you may be eligible for bail. A bail is a structure set in place to offer defendants a chance to regain their freedom pending the completion of their case. Bails are basically an exchange of money (which serves as a guarantee to the court) for the defendant’s freedom. In addition to the bail money paid by the defendant, there are other rules in place that guide the defendant’s activities while they are out on bail. For instance, the court requires the defendant to show up on all court dates until the case has been finalized. Failure to show up may lead to a re-arrest and can also cause the defendant to forfeit the amount paid to secure bail. If you have posted bail and have been released pre-trial, it is recommended that you use this time to seek an experienced attorney to represent you. If the charges against you somehow get dropped along the line, you will be cleared of the allegation and become free to walk away from the case. However, what happens to the amount you paid as bail? If you have followed the guidelines set by the court and honored your bail condition to the letter, you stand a chance to get bail money refund. You should note that the amount refunded may be a little less than what was paid because the court deducts administrative charges. Usually, a refund of the bail amount will be issued in six weeks or less after the case has been finalized. Refunds are often sent out via checks and so you must make sure that proper documentation is done at the point of bail payment. For people who have contacted a bail bond company like Connecticut Bail Bonds Group, this may be a little different. Bail bond companies do not collect the full bail amount, instead, they collect a fraction of the amount, usually between 8 to 15%. The amount charged, also known as a premium, is considered to be the bail bond company’s processing fee to secure your release. At the end of your case, you do not qualify for a refund irrespective of whether you were discharged or the charges against you were dropped. It is important to note, however, that bail bondsmen offer added advantages to their clients. They help those who wish to secure their freedom but lack adequate financial strength. Most bail bond companies offer financing solutions that allow clients to spread payment for their bail bond over an agreed period. In addition, bail bond companies also offer education and lawyer referrals to help the defendant’s case. Connecticut Bail Bonds Group 171 Orange St. 3rd Floor New Haven, CT 06510 https://www.connecticut-bailbonds.com/new-haven-ct-bail-bonds/