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I think defense counsel has an automatic lien on the bail, and it cannot go to the defendant unless the attorney confirm (s)he has been paid.
Thanks. The MA .gov website on bail said it would not be returned until legal fees were paid, but did not provide this very relevant detail. It figures the lien would only apply to govt funded counsel and not to private.If the court appoints an attorney and assesses a bar advocate fee (usually $150), the bail will not be returned to the surety until the bar advocate fee has been paid.