How much is the bail bond normally set by Maryland judges/commissioners?

There is no set amount that commissioners or judges set in Maryland criminal cases. Sometimes a person is released without having to pay any bail for less serious charges. In most cases where a bail bond is set, the amount depends on a number of factors including the charges the person is facing, the person’s criminal history (if any) and whether the person has ever failed to appear in court.

When a bail bond is set, do I have to pay it in cash? Or will the Court take credit cards?

When a bail bond is set, there are a number of ways it can be paid. Any person 18 years of age or older can pay the bond in cash or provide the deed to a property that is worth at least as much as the bond. A bail bondsman can also be employed, and the person normally pays the bondsman a percentage of the bail and the bail bond company pays the rest.

Will a bail bonds company take credit cards?

Yes, most bail bonds companies take credit cards. Please check with the particular bail bondsman on how they take payment.

Do I get my bail bond money back when the trial is over?

Provided the Defendant has appeared for all court appearances, once the trial is over, the COurt will release all the bail bond funds to the person who put them up. When a bail bondsman is used, the percentage paid is the bondsman’s fee and that is not refundable.

Is there a difference between a bail and a bond?

In the context of the criminal court system, the terms “bail” and “bond” are synonymous.

How much is the bail bond normally set by Maryland judges/commissioners?

There is no set amount that commissioners or judges set in Maryland criminal cases. Sometimes a person is released without having to pay any bail for less serious charges. In most cases where a bail bond is set, the amount depends on a number of factors including the charges the person is facing, the person’s criminal history (if any) and whether the person has ever failed to appear in court.

When a bail bond is set, do I have to pay it in cash? Or will the Court take credit cards?

When a bail bond is set, there are a number of ways it can be paid. Any person 18 years of age or older can pay the bond in cash or provide the deed to a property that is worth at least as much as the bond. A bail bondsman can also be employed, and the person normally pays the bondsman a percentage of the bail and the bail bond company pays the rest.

Will a bail bonds company take credit cards?

Yes, most bail bonds companies take credit cards. Please check with the particular bail bondsman on how they take payment.

Do I get my bail bond money back when the trial is over?

Provided the Defendant has appeared for all court appearances, once the trial is over, the COurt will release all the bail bond funds to the person who put them up. When a bail bondsman is used, the percentage paid is the bondsman’s fee and that is not refundable.

Is there a difference between a bail and a bond?

In the context of the criminal court system, the terms “bail” and “bond” are synonymous.

Commonly Asked Criminal Defense Questions

Table of Contents

The police did not read me my rights; will my case be dismissed?
I was arrested for assaulting my wife but she was upset and says she made a mistake when she called the police. Can she have the domestic violence charges against me dropped?
What will happen on my first court date and do I have to be there if I have a criminal defense lawyer?
Is marijuana possession now legal in Maryland? What about paraphernalia?

The police did not read me my rights; will my case be dismissed?

In Maryland, as in all other states, the police are required to read you your “Miranda Rights” only if two requirements are met. You must first be in police custody and you must be interrogated (questioned) about the crime. If the police violated your rights, a criminal defense lawyer can get your statements suppressed, so they will not be admissible against you in a criminal trial.

I was arrested for assaulting my wife but she was upset and says she made a mistake when she called the police. Can she have the domestic violence charges against me dropped?

No, only the Maryland State’s Attorney can drop the criminal charges against you. There are good reasons for this policy. A victim of domestic violence often attempts to withdraw the statement they made to police in order to have the charges dropped against the other party.

What will happen on my first court date and do I have to be there if I have a criminal defense lawyer?

You need to be present at all court dates unless you are excused from attending by the Court. If your first court date is called an “Attorney or Preliminary Inquiry” date, then you can often avoid having to appear if your criminal defense lawyer files papers with the Court advising that you have retained an attorney.

Is marijuana possession now legal in Maryland? What about paraphernalia?

Possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana is no longer a criminal offense in Maryland, and is only punishable by a fine. Fines for violators are $50 for the first offense, and $125 for the second. The fine amount for third and subsequent offenses is not defined, allowing the Court to determine the fine at trial. However, possession of drug paraphernalia is still illegal in Maryland.

You can make appointments by contacting us online or by calling our main office at (301)762-7007. Our office is located in Rockville, Maryland near the Rockville District and Circuit Courts and is convenient to Metro. Appointments can usually be scheduled within the week.

Quick Tip

There are many situations in which you can create a private agreement between yourself and the petitioner. These agreements can help you avoid the many risks that come about from the public disclosure of your peace or protective order matter.

Do You Need to Get a Peace or Protective Order?
Has Someone Wrongfully Filed One Against You?

If You Want to Consult With Me About Your Case, Please Schedule a Consultation

Schedule an Online Consultation

Criminal FAQs