How is Bail Handled?
Bail is the money or property deposited with the court to obtain the temporary release of a Defendant on the condition that the Defendant will appear in court at every stage of the proceedings until final disposition. (This can be a dismissal, a plea of guilty or a finding of guilty or not guilty.) Checks and money orders are generally accepted for bail, but must be made payable to the respective court on the warrant. The identification of the person posting bail must match the name and address printed on the check. Checks are not permitted to be accepted on certain charges. Bail may be forfeited if the Defendant fails to appear for any court date and a warrant may be reissued. It is important that the person who is released on bail knows the exact date and time of his or her court date and appears at that time. Bail can only be returned to the person who posted it. The bail receipt should be brought to court to expedite the return of bail. It may be possible to apply the bail to any f
