You paid the Bail Commissioner to get out of jail the night you were arrested. You also paid what felt like a good sum of money to get “bailed out.” Before you left the jail, someone mentioned something to you that you could get your bail money back “when the case is over.” Now that your criminal defense attorney negotiated a good plea with the District Attorney, you might be wondering, how do I get my bail money back?
Return of bail funds in Maine is called a “bail return.” In order to get your bail money back, the following conditions must be met:
- Your case has to be closed. If any part of your criminal case is considered to be “pending” or if you are on a deferred disposition agreement or a filing agreement, then your case is not yet closed.
- If your case is closed, you can call the Court where your case was resolved and ask for a “Bail Return.” You might have to go to the court in person and fill out a form to request a bail return.
– The Court will issue a check for the bail amount. Often, this would arrive through the mail.
Not Just Anyone Can Pick Up Your Bail
Keep in mind that a bail return can be made only to the person that paid the bail originally. If someone else paid your bail for you otherwise known as third party bail, then you cannot get that bail money released to you. Only the person that paid the bail can request a bail return.
No Bail Money Back if You Violate Bail
If during your criminal case you violate any of your bail conditions, such as consuming alcohol when you have a No use or possession of alcohol bail condition, then you become no longer eligible to get your bail money back. If you violate bail and the state successfully moves to terminate that bail, that bail money is considered to be “forfeited” to the Court.
Our committed legal team is determined to take immediate action to seek a positive case outcome. If you or someone you know is facing bail in Maine, I encourage you to contact The Nielsen Group for your free legal consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney. We will take the time to answer your questions and to put your mind at ease as we work with you to determine a defense strategy.
It is well worth your time to check out:
If you would like to call us now at (207) 571-8555, we can begin to develop your case strategy.
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