§ 26-21. Cash deposit in lieu of bond or recognizance.

Every person charged with a violation within the trial jurisdiction of the municipal court may be released from pretrial confinement, in lieu of entering into a bond or surety relationship, by depositing with the clerk of municipal court or his authorized agent, a sum of money not to exceed the maximum fine which may be imposed by law upon conviction of the offense charged. Any sum posted in accordance with this section, whether posted by the defendant or a third party, may be used to satisfy any fine or court costs imposed upon the defendant, whether the defendant appears in court or not.

(1)

Nothing in this section shall limit the power of the municipal judge to reduce the sum required for release pursuant to this section, by establishing a release schedule setting forth the minimum sum which must be deposited for violations within the jurisdiction of the municipal court.

(2)

Should the sum deposited pursuant to this section exceed the amount of fines and court costs imposed upon a defendant, any excess will be returned to the person who deposited the sum with the clerk of court.

(Code 1982, § 18-21)