Steps to get your bail money back in Texas:
- Wait until your case is fully resolved. You can typically get your bail money back after the case is dismissed, you’re found not guilty, or you’ve completed your sentence if found guilty.
- Determine how the bail was paid:
- If you paid cash bail directly to the court, you should be eligible for a full refund.
- If you used a bail bondsman, you won’t get the premium (usually 10%) back, as that’s the bondsman’s fee.
- Obtain the original cash bail receipt. This is crucial proof of payment.
- Submit a request for a refund to the court clerk’s office where you posted bail. You’ll likely need to fill out a form like an “Application for Return of Cash Bond.”
- Provide the required documentation, which typically includes:
- The original bail receipt
- A signed order from the judge authorizing the refund
- Valid government-issued ID
- Be aware that some fees, such as administrative fees, may be deducted from your refund.
- Wait for processing. Refunds are usually issued by check and can take 2-8 weeks to process.
- If you don’t have the original receipt, you may need to file an affidavit or get a copy from the sheriff’s office.
- Contact the court clerk’s office if you have any questions about the refund process for your specific county.
The procedures can vary slightly between counties in Texas. If you used a bail bondsman, you won’t get the premium back, as that’s their non-refundable fee for their service.