[FunkyZero]

"As I understand it, the $100,000 dollar portion Zimmerman has to fork over for bail, will never be returned"

It's bond/bail money. Why would it not be returned after he has shown for his appearances, etc?

[Kenny Bunk]

Jeezlouise, Funky. The bail bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance in court. He charges the defendant 10% of the face amount of the bail. GZ is OUT 100 large. If he skips, the bondsman is out 900 large. That's why bail bondsmen are so enthusiastic about tracking down bonded fugitives, if the dude doesn't show on a date certain, THEY pay!

Capisce?

[Soul of the South]

Why would it not be returned after he has shown for his appearances?

The bail bond company takes a high fee for putting up the money. The fee is the interest and risk premium the bond company charges. While Zimmerman gives the bail bondsman $100,000 the bondsman hands over to the court the entire $1 million. If Zimmerman skips bail, the court keeps the $1 million and the bail bondsman loses the million he put up for Zimmerman. If Zimmerman skips bond and is recaptured the court does not pay back the forfeited bond so the bondsman must collect from Zimmerman who likely will never have the means to repay.

The bondsman wins if Zimmerman doesn’t skip bail and goes to trial. When the trial is over the court gives the bondsman back the $1 million. He keeps the money Zimmerman paid up front as his fee. Given the risk 10% doesn’t seem unreasonable for the loan.