TO ENSURE THAT MANDATED COSTS AND FEES PAID BY A DEFENDANT IN A CRIMINAL CASE SHALL BE REFUNDED UPON AN ACQUITTAL, A DISMISSAL, OR AN ORDER OF NOLLE PROSEQUI.

Senate Bill 549 ensures that defendants in criminal cases receive refunds for certain mandated costs and fees they have paid. This applies if they are acquitted of the charges, if the charges are dismissed, or if an order of nolle prosequi is entered. These "mandated costs and fees" include items such as court filing costs, pretrial supervision fees, and ankle monitor fees. If a defendant is convicted of some charges but acquitted or has other charges dismissed in the same case, only the fees directly associated with the dismissed or acquitted charges would be refunded.