What is the difference between Bail and Bond?
According to the State of Minnesota’s court system website: “Bail is money you leave with the court as a guarantee of your future appearances. Once the case is closed, your bail is either returned to you or applied to any fine there might be. Bond is a guarantee of your appearance offered by a bonding company. The bond is purchased by you or on your behalf from a bonding company and is not refunded or applied to any fines. If you ever fail to appear as directed, the bondsman must pay the entire bail amount to the court, but can collect on any collateral that you put up in exchange for the bond. Important Reminder: If you fail to appear for any scheduled hearing, your bail or bond may be forfeited to the State. In other words, the State keeps the entire amount. You don’t get it back and it doesn’t go toward any fines you may owe.
