Can You Revoke a Bond and Get Your Money Back?
No, in most cases, you cannot get your money back if you revoke a bond. Whether you paid cash bail or used a bail bondsman, refunds are generally not given after the bond is posted.
Revoking a Bond – What Happens?
- If You Used a Bail Bondsman
- The 10% fee you paid is non-refundable, even if you request bond revocation.
- The bondsman may withdraw their guarantee, and the defendant is returned to jail.
- If collateral was used, it may be returned if the bondsman recovers their costs.
- If You Paid Full Cash Bail to the Court
- If you revoke bail, the court may not refund the money because bail ensures the defendant’s appearance in court.
- If the defendant violates bail conditions, the court may forfeit the entire bail amount.
- If the defendant appears in court and meets all conditions, you may still receive a refund at the end of the case.
When Might You Get Money Back?
- If bail is revoked before the defendant is released, a refund may be possible, depending on court policies.
- If the case is dismissed early, the court may return cash bail (but not a bondsman’s fee).
Bottom Line
Revoking a bond usually does not result in a refund, especially if you used a bail bondsman. If you paid cash bail, you may get a refund only if the court allows it and the defendant follows all conditions.
