Posting Bail

A person who has been arrested and charged with a crime may be required to post bail (a bond) before being released from jail. A bond is insurance to guarantee an arrestee will appear in court for trial. If that person fails to appear for a court date, the bond money is forfeited. A bond may be posted in cash, by an arrestee or by someone on his/her behalf.

Most crimes are bondable offenses, except capital crimes (those crimes for which the death penalty may be asked). The amount of a bond is determined by a judge or from an established schedule.

To post a bond, first make sure the person is, in fact, located in the Bergen County Jail. Please call the jail's Records Unit (201) 527-3050.

Two ways to post a bond

Cash Bond - The total amount of the bond, in cash, is placed with the county to guarantee the arrestee will appear at the next court hearing. If the arrestee does not appear after posting a cash bond, the money will be forfeited. If a not guilty verdict is rendered or the case is dismissed, or at the conclusion of the trial proceedings, all bond money will be refunded.

Cash, cashier's checks are the only accepted methods of payment for bail. NO PERSONAL CHECKS OR CREDIT CARDS WILL BE ACCEPTED. When posting bail, cashier's checks must be made payable to the Office of the Bergen County Sheriff.

Bond payments and bond refunds are both processed by the Bergen County Superior Court Finance Division located at 10 Main Street, Hackensack New Jersey. Refunds for cash bonds can only be made if documentation that the court has released the bond is presented. Contact the Bergen County Superior Court Finance Division at (201) 221-0700 x25150 for additional information.

Surety bond - A bonding company posts a bond that guarantees an arrestee will appear at the next court date. The Bergen County Sheriff's Office does not participate in the contract between an arrestee and the bonding company. The bonding company normally charges a fee for each bond posted. Consult your local Yellow Pages for lists of bonding companies.