What Happens to Bond Money if Charges Are Dropped?
If charges are dropped, either you get your bond money back depends on how the bail was paid and any court fees involved.
When You Get a Refund
- Full Cash Bail Paid to the Court – If you paid the full bail amount directly to the court, you will get it back, minus any court fees or fines.
- Property Bond – If you used property as collateral, the court releases the lien once the case is closed.
When You DO NOT Get a Refund
- Bail Bondsman Payment – If you used a bail bondsman, the 10% fee (or more) is non-refundable, even if charges are dropped.
- Court Deductions – Some courts deduct administrative fees from the refunded bail amount.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Refund?
- Refunds can take weeks to months, depending on the court’s processing time.
- Payment is usually issued as a check or direct deposit from the court.
Bottom Line
- Cash bail is refunded if court appearances were met, but bondsman fees are never refunded.
- Expect deductions for court costs, and refunds may take time to process.
