Do I Have to Pay the Bail Bondsman?

Today’s question comes from Yahoo! Answers, where we answer bail related questions on a regular basis: What happens if I sign an agreement with a bail bondsman to post bail for someone who is in jail, but I have not yet paid the fee?

Answer: Your question is a bit vague, but let me see if I can answer it. Based on my understanding of your question, you bailed someone out who is back in jail, but you haven’t paid the bondsman. Assuming that’s correct, you still need to pay the bondsman.

Posting bail for someone is an important decision. By signing the agreement with the bail bondsman, you have agreed that to the fee.  However, if the person was never released, then you owe nothing.

You should be aware that regulations vary from state-to-state. In California, a bondsman’s fee is fully earned when the bond is posted and the defendant is released. It doesn’t matter if no charges are filed, the defendant is guilty or innocent — or they get re-arrested.

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