Do You Still Have to Pay Bail If You Wear an Ankle Monitor?
If you or someone you know has been released with an ankle monitor, you might be wondering: Do you still have to pay bail? The answer depends on how the court structured the release.
Ankle Monitors Don’t Always Replace Bail
In many cases, wearing an ankle monitor is a condition of release—not a replacement for bail. Courts sometimes use electronic monitoring to track defendants who are released on bail, especially if there’s concern about them leaving the area or skipping court.
So, yes—you may still have to pay bail even if you're wearing a monitor. The judge may require both:
- Bail to ensure you return to court
- Ankle monitor to track your location as an added precaution
In Some Cases, Bail May Be Waived
There are situations where a judge may allow someone to be released on their own recognizance (ROR) or under pretrial supervision with an ankle monitor instead of setting bail. This typically depends on the nature of the crime, the defendant’s history, and their ties to the community.
If that happens, the individual may not have to pay bail—but they must still follow strict court rules.
Who Pays for the Monitor?
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Even if bail is reduced or waived, the defendant may still be required to pay a fee for the ankle monitor, either daily or weekly. These costs are usually separate from bail and are not covered by bail bond companies.
Let Mike's Bail Bonds Help
At Mike's Bail Bonds, we can help you understand exactly what your court release conditions are—and what they’ll cost. Whether bail, monitoring, or both are involved, we’ll walk you through it all and help secure the fastest possible release. Contact us today if you need comprehensive bail bond assistance.







