Do You Get Bail Money Back?

Each year, more than 128,000 people enter the North Carolina jail system. If you are like most people, one of your first thoughts is how to get out. Fortunately, the majority are offered the option of paying bail in exchange for their release. If you’re not able to pay the bail set by the magistrate, you’ll need to stay incarcerated until your court date.

Bail and Bond: What’s the Difference?

Though bail and bond are closely related, they have distinct differences you need to understand. Bail is the dollar amount the magistrate sets, so you can be released from jail pending your court date. In most cases, you’ll need to pay the full bail amount if you want to get out of jail on your own.

Because many people don’t have hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars at their disposal to pay their bail, they turn to a bondsman. The bondsman then pays the court the bond on your behalf, so you’re able to get out of jail. The bond is typically a portion of the total bail amount.

Can You Get Your Bail Money Back?

Paying to bail yourself out of jail — or contracting with a bondsman to do so on your behalf — is not typically something that you plan to have to do. It’s natural to wonder if you’ll be able to get your bail money back.

The answer to this question depends on a number of circumstances. Regardless of whether you’re able to bail yourself out or if you need to use a bondsman, it is imperative that you follow the requirements set forth by the court. Failing to do so can land you in more trouble, leading to increased costs, jail time, and other avoidable issues.

After You Post Bail

If you were able to bail yourself out of jail, there is a possibility that you’ll be able to get your money back. This hinges on your ability to meet all the court’s requirements. If you do not, you’ll forfeit all the money you paid for bail. You’ll need to request, usually in writing, to have your bail returned to you.

Using a bail bondsman means you won’t get your bail money back. The bondsman’s job is to negotiate the terms of your bond, so you can be released from jail.

This usually means the bondsman puts up a percentage of your bail with the understanding that you’ll appear in court. As an example, instead of having to pay the court the $15,000 bail imposed on you, you’d only need to pay the bail bondsman $1,000 to secure your release from jail.

You and the bail bondsman will have a contract that outlines what you are required to do because they bonded you out of jail. One of the stipulations is that you must appear in court as ordered. Failure to do so is called bail jumping, a serious and costly situation that creates even greater problems.

Need Help Getting Out of Jail in Raleigh?

If you find yourself in jail in central or eastern North Carolina, Big Mike Bail Bonds is the professional to turn to. Discreet, fast, and affordable, Big Mike Bail Bonds works to get you or your loved one out of jail.

At Big Mike Bail Bonds, we believe that bad things can happen to good people. Even a small mistake can land you in big trouble. With our experience, we can get you out of jail and on with your life. The team at Big Mike Bail Bonds will help find the best bond for you with affordable options. We serve Raleigh, NC as well as areas across Central and Eastern North Carolina including Wake, Johnson, Sampson, and Harnett Counties. If you have questions or you or a loved one needs help covering costs to get out of jail and through the bail process, call Big Mike at 919-934-5656 to see how we can help!