RETURN OF BAIL MONIES
- Upon a favorable disposition to the defendant (dismissal or acquittal of all charges), the entire amount of bail posted is refunded.
- Prior to final disposition, 3% bail poundage is retained by the court
- Upon final disposition wherein the defendant is convicted, 3% bail poundage is retained by the court.
- The original bail receipt
- Photo identification (Ex. Driver's License, Government ID)
If the person who posted the bail requests that the bail be transferred to another individual, a sworn/notarized affidavit (available on the forms page) must be submitted to the Court Clerk's office.
Note: Bail Will Be Returned In The Form Of A Check Only.
See individual court for procedures

APPLYING BAIL MONIES TO A FINE:
If you posted bail in your own case
If the Court has imposed a Fine and/or Mandatory Surcharge at disposition and you have posted the bail, the Court may direct that the bail monies be applied to the fine. You must provide the Court with:
- the original bail receipt (if this has been lost, then you must complete a lost bail affidavit)
- photo identification (Ex. Driver's License, Government ID)
Note: The Judge can order that bail be applied to fines.
If you posted bail for another individualIf you have posted bail for a defendant and wish to apply bail monies to pay the fine:
- the original bail receipt (if this has been lost, then you must complete a lost bail affidavit, available on the forms page)
- photo identification (Ex. Driver's License, Government ID)
If the person who posted the bail dies, a letter of administration or a letter of testimony must be obtained from Surrogates Court. May be different from court to court.

BAIL BONDS
There are several types of bail bonds:
- Insurance Company Bail Bond - Underwritten by an insurance company.
- Secured Surety Bond (Property)
- Secured Appearance Bond (Property-Defendant) - one or more properties may be used, value of property must be twice the cash bail amount, property lien conducted, there may not be any other liens other than mortgage.
- Unsecured Surety Bond - Unsecured Appearance Bond (Defendant) - surety and defendant must complete proper forms.
For the names of local bail bondsmen, contact the jail facility.
A bail bondsman's license must be renewed each year.
City Court Home Page