Any premium paid by the defendant to the bondsman from the original charge shall be credited to the defendant if the same bondsman posts their appearance bond on the added or amended charge. True or False?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It depends on the court
• D. Only partial credit

Answer: (A)

Premiums paid to a bondsman are the fee for guaranteeing the defendant’s appearance. When the same bondsman posts an appearance bond on an added or amended charge, the earlier premium is credited against the new premium because the bondsman has already undertaken the risk and service for that client under the same contractual relationship. In other words, you’re not paying a full new premium for the amended charge; the prior premium is applied toward the additional bond. This credit applies only if the same bondsman handles both bonds; it wouldn’t apply if a different bondsman posts the amended bond.