Legal Question in Criminal Law in Michigan

Who has rights over Bail Bond Money after hearing?

I bailed my step son out of jail for a failure to respond to a subpoena. He went to court and charges had been dropped. But the court kept my money. I thought that bond money was to guarentee that the accused would show up in court. How do I get my money back?


Asked on 6/13/00, 1:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Neil O'Brien Eaton County Special Assistant Prosecuting Attorney

Re: Who has rights over Bail Bond Money after hearing?

Bond is essentially collateral to ensure that the person will appear at court for all future court hearings.

Did you sign the bond receipt, or did your son? If he signed it, the court probably considers the money "his" even though the source was YOUR wallet. If you signed it, then the bulk of the money should have been returned to you when the case was closed (although there is occasionally a 5% or 10% processing charge that is deducted).

Have you talked to the court's administrator? What is his/her explanation for the court keeping the money?

Better yet, why not get your son to repay you? He's the one who skipped out on a court hearing and needed your help! It's spelled

T-A-K-I-N-G R-E-S-P-O-N-S-I-B-I-L-I-T-Y.

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Answered on 8/01/00, 11:26 am


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