You already know that judges tend to grant cash bail with a list of conditions. If the defendant doesn’t meet the requirements, the judge can send them back to jail and keep their bail money. It’s judge’s prerogative, so defendants out on bail need to walk a fine line.

But can you go to jail for not paying bail bonds premiums?

The answer is usually yes.

Here’s what you need to know about your obligations to your bail bond company before you take out the bond.

How to Get a Bail Bond

If you or someone you love needs to post bail but can’t afford it, you can use a bail bond to get them out.

A bail bond company requires you to pay a non-refundable premium to secure your release. In exchange, the bond company signs a surety bond with the court, agreeing to deliver the defendant back to the court or owe the complete cash bail in full to the court.

Although bail bonds are meant to be a way to make bail when you don’t have hundreds or thousands in cash, not everyone can afford the premium.

That’s why bail bond companies often offer payment plans. When you sign up for a payment plan, you agree to pay a monthly or weekly installment totaling up to 15 percent of the cash bail.

Missing that installment can be devastating.

Can You Go to Jail for Not Paying Bail Bonds?

If you fail to pay the premium on the bond, then the defendant can go back to jail.

Bail bond companies have several options if the defendant or their co-signer stops paying the premium.

First, they can go to court and tell the judge that they no longer intend to be responsible for the surety bond. 

Second, the bail bond company can remand the defendant back into custody.

Why Would a Bail Bond Company Send Someone Back to Jail?

When you (either the defendant or their family member) agree to pay a bail bond, you make a binding agreement with the bond company. You must pay the non-refundable premium in exchange for release.