Bail Bonds Glossary

Bail - A security deposit (usually money) given to release a defendant or witness from custody and to make sure that they go to court when they’re supposed to.

Bail Bond - A bail bond is a legal paper that you buy from a bondsman and give to the court instead of bail. The defendant signs it and is let go. Nevertheless, if they do not come to court when they are ordered, they must pay the amount of money on the bail bond.

Bail Exoneration - Bail exonerations is when your money is returned. Additionally, when a bail bondsman or insurance ("surety") company is not responsible for your bail anymore.

Bail Forfeiture - Bail forfeitures are court orders letting the court keep the bail deposit, because the defendant did not go to court as ordered.

Bail Notice - A bail notice is a legal paper from the court that says the court will make a warrant for arrest unless the defendant goes to court or pays bail.

Bail Receipt - A written statement that the court gives a defendant that says bail was paid.

Bail Schedule - Bail schedule is a list of the amount of bail that is recommended for different charges. In criminal cases, the court decides how much bail a defendant has to pay to be released.

Bailiff - A bailiff is the person that is in charge of security in the court. Bailiffs are picked by sheriffs or marshals.

Bench Trial - A bench trial is held without a jury. The judge decides the case.

Bail Agent - A bail agent is a person permitted to solicit, negotiate and effect undertakings of bail on behalf of any surety insurer. All bail agents must meet specified bond requirements. Licensees that fail to meet bond requirements are not authorized to transact.