Getting arrested can be scary and confusing.
One of the first things on your mind might be bail—the money you must pay to get out of jail before your trial.
This allows you to wait at home instead of behind bars for court dates. But what happens to the bail money when your case concludes?
Do you get it back?
Or does the court system keep it?
The Exoneration Process
If the person out on bail fulfills all their requirements, the bail will usually be “exonerated.”
This means the bail money is given back to whoever originally paid it.
For example, if you paid the full bail amount, you would get back the entire amount when the case is over.
If you used a bail bondsman, the bondsman would get the money back minus administrative fees.
To get bail exonerated, the released person must follow all the rules and attend all required court dates.
As long as you comply with the terms set by the judge, the bail money is returned when the case concludes.
So, being reliable about attending court is vital to seeing that money again.
When Bail is Forfeited
On the other hand, if the person misses court dates or breaks other terms of their release, the court will confiscate or “forfeit” the bail money.
This means whoever paid the bail loses that money, and the court system keeps it.
Even if you did everything right yourself, skipping court or committing new offenses can result in forfeiture.
In addition, the court may keep a portion of the bail money to cover administrative costs, even when the bail is exonerated.
For instance, if you paid $1,000 bail and followed the rules, you might get back $900 after deductions for fees.
Getting Forfeited Money Back
If your bail is forfeited due to a missed court date or other violations, it is still possible to get the money back in some cases.
You or your lawyer must file a motion with the court explaining why the terms were not followed.
For example, you may have missed a court date due to a medical emergency.
The court will then decide whether those reasons warrant returning the forfeited bail.
However, there is no guarantee that a judge will agree to return the money.
It depends on the unique circumstances of each case.
Understanding Bail Bonds
Getting your money back becomes even more complicated if you use a bail bond agent or company.
With a bondsman, you typically pay 10-15% of the total bail amount as a non-refundable fee.
The bondsman pays the remaining bail to the court on your behalf.
Even if a bondsman later exonerates the bail, you do not get back the portion you paid upfront.
The bondsman will recover their payment to the court but keep your original payment as their fee for posting the bond.
So, using a bail bond agent means sacrificing that percentage permanently.
Get Legal Guidance
As you can see, the bail process in Nevada involves many nuances.
To fully understand your options and obligations, consult an experienced criminal defense attorney.
They can provide personalized guidance based on the details of your case and advise you on the best path forward regarding bail and the potential return of funds.
Don’t leave it to chance – let a lawyer protect your rights and money.
Why You Have Not Hired a Felony Defense Attorney Yet
Watch this short video to take the next big step toward defending your rights against a felony charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to bail money if I used a bail bondsman?
If you used a bail bondsman, they keep the 10-15% you paid upfront as their fee. They recover the rest from the court when the bail is exonerated. The upfront payment to the bondsman is not returned.
Does bail money cover fines or fees I owe?
No, bail money is separate from any court fines or fees. Bail serves to ensure your court attendance, while fines must be paid separately.
Can I request a reduction in the bail amount?
Yes, you can request a bail reduction hearing. Provide evidence showing that the current amount is unaffordable, and argue for a lower bail. The judge may agree to reduce it to a payable amount.
If I violate release terms, can I bail out again?
Violating release terms may lead to bail revocation and reduce the chance of being granted bail again. However, getting bail a second time is still possible, depending on the circumstances.
Who decides whether bail money is returned?
The judge decides whether to exonerate bail or declare forfeiture. If there are extenuating circumstances, you or your attorney can file a motion asking for the return of forfeited money.
Is returned bail money considered taxable income?
No, returned bail money is not considered taxable income. The IRS does not treat bail returns as income. The total amount returned is yours to keep.
How long does it take to get bail money back after exoneration?
After official exoneration, refund processing typically takes 30-60 days. For large amounts, it can sometimes take up to 6 months.
Glossary
Bail – A monetary amount set by the court allows a person to be released from jail before trial.
Exonerate – To clear bail and have it returned to the payer after all court terms are fulfilled.
Forfeit – When the court keeps the bail money if a person violates release conditions.
Bail bondsman – A person who pays your full bail to the court in exchange for 10-15% of the bail amount upfront.
Bail reduction hearing – A legal proceeding requesting lower bail based on inability to pay the current amount set.
Motion – A formal written request filed with the court asking for a specific ruling or action.
Extenuating circumstances – Exceptional situations that provide context for why bail terms may have been violated.
Administrative fees – The portion of returned bail money the court keeps to cover processing costs.
Additional Resources for You
Molly Rosenblum Allen, Esq, our distinguished lead attorney, has not only been a formidable legal advocate but has also created an array of valuable resources to assist you during challenging times. These resources cover a wide range of legal topics and are designed to provide clarity and guidance. Here’s an overview of the insightful materials available on our website:
- Double Jeopardy: Delve into the complexities of legal protection against being tried twice for the same crime. Read more
- Hung Jury: Understand what happens when a jury cannot agree on a verdict and the implications it may have on a case. Read more
- Circumstantial Evidence: Explore how indirectly inferred evidence can play a crucial role in legal proceedings. Read more
- Indicted vs Charged: Gain clarity on the distinctions between being indicted and being charged in the legal system. Read more
- Difference Between Jail and Prison: Learn about the different functions and characteristics of jails and prisons. Read more
- What are Miranda Rights: Discover the significance and implications of these fundamental rights during an arrest. Read more
- How to Check if You Have an Outstanding Warrant: Find out the steps to take if you suspect there might be an outstanding warrant in your name. Read more
- What to Look for in a Criminal Defense Lawyer: Get valuable insights into choosing the right legal representation for your case. Read more
- Possible Ways to Reduce a Felony Charge: Explore strategies that might be employed to mitigate the severity of a felony charge. Read more
- Should You Accept a Plea Bargain: Consider the critical factors before deciding whether to accept a plea deal. Read more
We encourage our readers to utilize these resources for informative guidance and to understand better the legal landscapes they might be navigating.
Offsite Resources You May Find Helpful
Nevada Legal Services: This is a non-profit organization providing free legal services to low income Nevadans. They have comprehensive resources and legal aid for individuals who cannot afford an attorney.
American Bar Association: The ABA has a page explaining how the bail system works in the United States. It provides a good general overview of bail, which could help readers understand the nuances of the bail system in Nevada.
FindLaw: This online resource for legal information has a detailed section on bail bonds, providing valuable insights into the process of using a bail bondsman, the associated fees, and what happens if bail conditions are violated.
A Special Message from Our Lead Attorney
Molly Rosenblum, Esq
Dear Reader,
I want to extend my sincere gratitude for taking the time to explore our resources for obtaining your bail money back.
We understand how stressful and overwhelming this process can be, and it’s our mission to provide clear, accessible guidance to help you through it.
Everyone deserves a robust and dedicated defense, and our team at
The Rosenblum Allen Law Firm is here to provide just that. We work tirelessly to protect our clients’ rights and interests at every turn.
If you need further advice or are interested in discussing your case more thoroughly, I invite you to schedule a free consultation with our team.
We would be happy to sit down with you, answer your questions, and explore the best possible strategies for your situation.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out.
You can call us at (702) 433-2889 to arrange your free consultation.
We are here to help and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Warm Regards,
Molly Rosenblum, Esq.
