Bail is money deposited to assure a defendant’s future appearances in court. Once deposited, bail money can secure a defendant’s release from jail or recall a warrant for their arrest so that they will be able to appear at all scheduled court dates. The person who posts the bail is known as the surety. The surety can either be the defendant themself or another person posting bail on their behalf. If the defendant appears as scheduled, when the case is concluded bail money can either be returned or applied to any fines if the defendant is found guilty. However, bail can only be returned to the person who posted it, so unless the surety is present, the money cannot be returned or applied to fines unless ordered by the Judge.