Judicial law decrees that all persons are deemed innocent until proven guilty. So is the case when a defendant’s criminal charges are dropped or dismissed. Unfortunately, case dismissals come well after the arrest takes place. This means the defendant is still required to post their own bail using their own assets. Are defendants entitled to a refund for money spent on bail if their charges are dropped or dismissed?
Continue reading to learn what Indiana law says about this, plus where you secure, safe and affordable bail bond services for yourself or another.
Bail Bond Services are Nonrefundable
Regardless of what happens after an arrest, bail bond money is not refundable. Even if the defendant is proven innocent or eliminated as a suspect altogether due to a lack of evidence against them, whatever money they spend acquiring a bail bond to get out of jail will not be refunded back to them. If you were wrongly arrested and as a result, suffered compensatory damages and losses, you may be able to bring about a civil suit against the municipality, county, or police department.
If your lawsuit is successful, you may be able to recover compensation for your bail money and any other expenses paid out of pocket related to your wrongful arrest, including attorney fees, filing fees, court fees, lost wages for missing work, and more.
Cash Bonds are Refundable on Contingency
If you want a refund on bail money, your only option is to pay the jails directly using cash bond. All jails have a set bail schedule that assigns a monetary value depending on the charges you are arrested on. Cash bonds are expensive require you to front a large amount of cash up front. If your bail was set at $5000, $5000 is what you would pay to the jail to be released. Cash bonds must be paid in cash or collateral, hence the name. Most jails only accept cash.
Once you have appeared for your court hearings, you will have the $5000 refunded back to you in full. However, the legal process can sometimes take several months or even years depending on the availability of courts and court staffing. So, when you pay a cash bond, you may not see that cash for a long time. If you fail to appear for your initial court hearing, you forfeit the $5000 and lose it forever.
Why People Choose Bail Bonds
Even though bail bond services are nonrefundable, they are still the most common choice when it comes to getting out of jail. Whether you are facing an arrest warrant or co-signing for another’s bail, a licensed bail bondsman in Indianapolis can make the process easy, convenient, and as affordable as possible. Here in Indiana, bail bond agencies are required to stay within 10% and 15% when applying their rates. Using the aforementioned example, the cost to acquire a bail bond would be between $500 and $750. Although you do not get this money refunded, you are not forced to clean out your bank account just to get out of jail.
Getting out of jail is important because it allows you to go back to work and continue earning wages for yourself and your family. Do not let the price tag of a bail bond prevent you from taking advantage of a fast and secure release from jail. Be sure to choose a trusted and experienced bail bond company in Indiana for the best service.
Are you looking for dependable bail bondsmen who will help you get yourself or a friend out of jail in the Indy areas? Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for 24 hour bail bond services in over 30 Indiana counties. We also offer prearranged bail bond service for arrest warrants.
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