Massachusetts Bail Bond Calculator

Enter the bail amount to compare what posting it costs in Massachusetts: cash with the court, a bond through a licensed bail agent, or a percentage deposit with the court where Massachusetts law offers one. It runs in your browser and nothing is stored.

Enter the bail amount to compare the ways to post it.

Bail bond agents in Massachusetts

An authorized surety company may act as surety on a recognizance in a criminal case if the court or magistrate accepts the bond. (G.L. c. 175, § 105)

may, if accepted and approved by the court, magistrate, obligee or person competent to approve such bond, act as joint or sole surety upon the official bond or the bond, recognizance or other undertaking in civil and criminal procedure

Cash bail in Massachusetts

Bail may be set no higher than what would reasonably assure appearance after taking the person's financial resources into account. (G.L. c. 276, § 58)

bail shall be set in an amount no higher than what would reasonably assure the appearance of the person before the court after taking into account the person's financial resources

When the deposit is exonerated by surrender, the court orders the money or bonds returned to the person in whose name they were deposited. (G.L. c. 276, § 81)

the court shall thereupon order the bank books to be reassigned and the money or bonds so deposited to be returned to the person in whose name the deposit is made or to his order.

How bail is set in Massachusetts

The Declaration of Rights bars excessive bail or sureties. (Mass. Const. Pt. 1, art. XXVI)

No magistrate or court of law, shall demand excessive bail or sureties, impose excessive fines, or inflict cruel or unusual punishments.

Everyone authorized to take bail follows rules set by the Supreme Judicial Court or the Superior Court. (G.L. c. 276, § 57)

All persons authorized to take bail under this section shall be governed by the rules established by the supreme judicial or superior court.

If a court date is missed in Massachusetts

After the defendant defaults, the court may order the deposited money, bonds or bank books forfeited. (G.L. c. 276, § 80)

At any time after default of the defendant, the court may order forfeited the money, bonds or bank books deposited at the time of the recognizance

For the rest of what can follow a missed date, see missed court in Massachusetts.

What this page does not do

  • It does not set or predict bail; the judge or the bail schedule does.
  • It does not quote any bail agent; collateral and extra fees depend on the agreement you sign.
  • It collects nothing; your entries stay in your browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a bail bond cost in Massachusetts?

We found no Massachusetts statute that sets the premium rate. Ask the agent for the rate they charge and check it with the state regulator.

Can you pay a percentage of bail to the court in Massachusetts?

We found no Massachusetts rule that lets a defendant post a percentage of bail with the court. Ask the clerk which forms of bail the court accepts.

Do you get bail money back in Massachusetts?

When the deposit is exonerated by surrender, the court orders the money or bonds returned to the person in whose name they were deposited. (G.L. c. 276, § 81).

Sources

Checked against the sources above on October 20, 2026.

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