When bail is exonerated, it means your financial obligation to the court is complete. This can be a huge relief for you and your loved ones, as you no longer have to worry about bail being forfeited. That said, bail bond exoneration doesn’t eliminate all your responsibilities as a defendant.
After you are bailed out of jail, and while the case is pending, you must show up for all required court hearings. If you don’t, the court can revoke bail. That means the court will not return the money you paid, or you’ll owe a bail bond company the balance of the bail amount. A bail bondsman can provide bail bond services in Columbus, OH, and explain the bail bond exonerated meaning.
Your Responsibilities After Bail Bond Exoneration
Paying bail means your loved one will be released from jail while awaiting trial. That said, they will have several conditions placed upon them. A bail bond agency can explain what it means when bail is exonerated and what your responsibilities are after exoneration.
With the help of an experienced bail bond agent, you’ll learn what it means when bail is exonerated and how to navigate the bail process with confidence and ease. However, you must adhere to the following conditions between the time your loved one is let out and the time their case concludes.
Call (614) 221-0100 today to speak with our experienced Ohio bail bondsman!
You Still Have to Go to Court if Your Bail Is Exonerated
Having your bail exonerated doesn’t mean you can skip court appearances. In a criminal case, the accused may be scheduled for several different hearings. These can include an arraignment, a pre-trial hearing, and the trial. Having the defendant involved in all stages of their case facilitates a fair justice process.
If your loved one does not show up to court as scheduled, they are not answering for the alleged offense, and they deny themselves their constitutional right to confront their accuser. Bail ensures that legal protections are upheld by giving the accused an incentive to attend legal proceedings.
Consequences of Not Showing Up to Court After Bail Exoneration
After you pay bail money, the court holds onto it during the pendency of the case. If your loved one fails to appear in court, the court keeps the money. That could be thousands of dollars you don’t get back. If you went through an agency for help posting bail, you would be responsible for paying the full bail amount to the company instead of the 10% premium charged for its services.
Additionally, if your loved one fails to appear, the court could have them arrested and returned to jail. They may not be eligible to be bailed out a second time. They may also be subject to additional charges, solitary confinement, and fines.
Bail is exonerated at the end of the criminal case, provided that your loved one appeared in court as required. Thus, neither you nor your loved one has the threat of bail forfeiture looming over your heads. You are also no longer at risk of owing the remaining 90% of the bail amount to the bail bonds company.
Contact our bail bondsman today at (614) 221-0100 to get your bail bond now!
The Case Disposition doesn’t Affect Whether Bail Is Exonerated
You might be wondering if the case’s outcome affects whether bail is exonerated. It doesn’t. Whether there is a dismissal of charges, a plea bargain for lesser charges, or if a guilty plea is made, once the legal process is over, the court will relieve you of your bail bond money obligations.
Note that bail exoneration only applies to the bail amount. It does not have to do with the case itself. Thus, you might not have any more financial obligations to the court. However, if your loved one is found guilty, they could still be sentenced to incarceration, fines, and other sanctions.
Our bail bondsman is available 24/7. Call us at (614) 221-0100
You Still Have Financial Obligations to the Bail Bond Company
There is a difference between paying bail money out of pocket and going through a bail bonds company. When you post bail with your own funds, the court returns the money you paid, minus any fees, after the case.
When you work with an agency to navigate the bail bond process, you pay a percentage of the bail amount for the agency’s assistance. Even when bail is exonerated, the premium is not returned. The company retains this as income earned for aiding your loved one’s release from custody.
When your loved one’s case is over, and bail has been exonerated, you may still have to pay the bail bonds company. For instance, you may have a payment plan to satisfy the premium, or you might have outstanding fees.
Understanding your financial obligation during the legal process can be confusing. Luckily, a knowledgeable bail bond agent can explain what it means when bail is exonerated and offer information on your financial obligations.
Learn What It Means When Bail Is Exonerated
The bail exoneration process can be almost as complicated as addressing your legal obligations and criminal charges. Fortunately, the team at Andy Callif Bail Bonds can provide the information and assistance you need to secure your or your loved one’s temporary release.
You’ll come across a lot of new terminologies when posting bail for your loved one after an arrest. For help understanding what everything means and what your obligations are, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team. Our knowledgeable and friendly agents are here to provide the guidance you need.
Contact us today to learn more about what it means when bail is exonerated.
Our Ohio bail bondsman is available 24/7, call us (614) 221-0100!