A few counties in Minnesota have begun to offer a “cash bail” option, in addition to a “bail bond”, as a condition for defendants to get out of jail. This cash bail option is typically 10% of the bail bond option. For example, bail is $15,000 bail bond or $1,500 cash or check, paid to the court.
I believe that judges view the cash bail as a pre-paid fine and that this cash bail will be used to pay off fines, court costs, and other related fees if the defendant is found guilty. After these fines and fees are paid, any cash bail remaining is given to the defendant, not necessarily the person who paid the cash bail. In my experience, it is in rare instances that any cash bail is returned.
