If you get arrested, the judge may require you to post bail before releasing you from custody. Bail bond exoneration occurs after your case when the court releases your bail bond. Here are a few things to know about exonerating bail bonds:
Defining Bail and Bail Bonds
Bail is a predetermined amount set by the court that a defendant must pay as an assurance that they will present themselves to court for their scheduled hearing. If you cannot afford to post bail, you enter into a bail bond agreement with the court. Bail bonds are a financial agreement between the court, the defendant, and a bondsman. You or a family member pays the bondsman a percentage of the total bail amount. The bondsman then guarantees the court that you will appear for your hearing as required. The bondsman is responsible for making sure you comply with court orders.
What Is Bail Bond Exoneration?
Bail exoneration occurs when the defendant fulfills the legal obligation tied to the bail bond. Exoneration releases the bail bondsman from their responsibility towards the court and signifies the conclusion to all case proceedings. The bail bondsman can then release the collateral or payment made by the defendant or their family.
The court may also exonerate your bail bond if you plead guilty or the prosecution or complainant drops the charges against you. Bail bond exoneration is automatic if there is no conviction due to insufficient evidence. Sometimes, the court orders a new trial. If the judge approves a retrial, the court continues holding your bail bond. The court exonerates your bail bond if the judge does not approve a retrial.
Bail bond exoneration does not depend on the case outcome. Once your case is over, the court exonerates your bail bond, whether you get an acquittal or a guilty conviction. The court may also exonerate your bail bond if you request to remain in jail until after trial.
Money Owed After Bail Bond Exoneration
You won’t pay the court any more bail money after bail bond exoneration, but you might owe the bondsman money. The court refunds your bail bond money if you pay the full bail out of pocket. If you used a bail bondsman, the court returns the bail bond money to the agent. The bail bond company does not refund the premium paid to them.
Reasons the Court May Deny Bail Bond Exoneration
You must adhere to all court appearances and requirements to achieve exoneration. Failure to attend court hearings and skipping bail may result in the forfeiture of the bail bond. The court can also deny bail bond exoneration if the prosecution files additional charges while you are out on bail.
Start the Bail Bond Process Today
Understanding the bail bond process helps with compliance after an arrest. If this is your first time dealing with the bail process, it helps to consult a bail bondsman for guidance. The agents walk with you throughout the court process, helping speed up the bail process. A bondsman can help you fulfill all obligations to the court, improving your chances of a successful bond exoneration.
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