Bail is money paid to the court as a guarantee that a defendant will show up for all required court appearances. Think of it as a deposit that holds the defendant's place outside of jail while the legal process unfolds.

A bail bond (also called a surety bond) is a contract between three parties: The Court, The Defendant (or their family/co-signer), and The Bail Bondsman. In exchange for this service, the defendant or their co-signer pays the bail bondsman a non-refundable premium — in Virginia, this is typically 10% of the total bail amount.

What Happens to the Money?

The 10% premium you pay the bondsman is the fee for the service — it is not returned to you regardless of the outcome of the case. If the defendant appears at all court dates and the case is resolved, the bond is 'exonerated'. If the defendant fails to appear, the court may issue a forfeiture.