Can my bond money be taken legally and apply it to outstanding fines?
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Can my bond money be taken legally and apply it to outstanding fines?
I recently made bond on a FTA, which is a $500 cash bond. I borrowed the money from my mother, because I knew that the money would be returned to her after I appeared in court. I appeared on court on my court date, and the judge agreed to return the money once I paid something on my fine, so I paid $75 on my fine. I didn’t have my id at the time, but when I found it I went back to have my money returned the clerk said she was applying to fines. I went to speak with the judge and she had a different story when I went back, so I told her I would be speaking with an attorney.
Asked on May 14, 2012 under Criminal Law, Alabama
Answers:
Kevin Bessant / Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Yes. Anytime bond money is posted, those monies belong to the jurisdiction of the court and can be applied to any outstanding fines, costs, and fees you may have with the court. Sometimes, if the money is borrowed, the Judge may release the bond and require you to pay back the outstanding balance with your own money and not the bond money, but this is rare as the courts see bond money as being secured money and will utilize it when its available to cover outstanding costs.
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