A bond is an excellent way to get a friend or loved one out of police custody. There are several different types of bonds to suit varying charges and the defendant’s financial situation. Some of your options include hiring a bail bondsman, using a cash bond, property bond, or recognizance. Learn more about the different types of bonds below.
O.R. (Own Recognizance)
When someone is released on their own recognizance, they are able to await their court date free from custody without paying anything. Those who are released on O.R. are generally being charged with minor crimes and do not pose a flight risk.
Bail Bond
Also known as surety bonds, a bail bond is one of the most widely used, safest, and securest ways to get someone out of jail who has not been released on O.R. Bail bonds are much less expensive than cash bonds (outlined below).
Cash Bond
When you opt for a cash bond, you are required to pay the full amount of bail in cash to the court clerk. The bond acts as an incentive for the defendant to attend all of their mandatory court appearances. As long as the defendant makes it to their court dates, the bond is refunded (minus any relevant court fees) no matter what the outcome of the trial is.
Property Bond
Property bonds involve using property (usually real estate) as collateral for releasing someone on bond. Bonding someone out this way can take a few weeks as the courts are very meticulous when it comes to appraising the value of the property. As long as the defendant attends their court dates, the property is safe. If they do not, the property is forfeit.
Citation Release
Common in traffic offenses, citation release does not involve being arrested. Instead, the defendant is required to attend any and all court dates and/or pay a fine.
