Are you looking for bail bonds? If so, it’s likely you would have heard of the term bail forfeiture. Not everyone is accustomed to terms like this one unless they’re in the industry, and understanding bail forfeiture is important – but what is it exactly?
What is bail forfeiture?
Bail forfeiture is where bail is released to the court without the chance for future repayments. This is where bail money won’t be seen again, and bail can be released either voluntarily or involuntarily depending on the situation. Bail forfeiture is possible in either of these scenarios. Voluntary bail forfeiture is when the defendant voluntarily releases the bail that they paid. Usually, this is done to cover the court costs, legal fees and fines. Bail forfeiture can only cover these costs, not for repaying a victim. When it comes to involuntary bail forfeiture, this is when a person is not appearing in court post custody release.
There are offenses that are bail forfeitable, and here is where you can use the bail forfeiture to acquire a closed case and release from custody. If the case is contested and won, the defendant can get their money back. If they don’t appear in court, the bail money goes to the court.
What happens if a bail amount cannot be paid?
The best thing you can do here is work closely with a bail bondsman. They will offer you the assistance that you need and help you to get the bail money. It’s important to work with professionals in this situation so that you get the best possible support.
