About Bail
When a person has been charged with an offense and is scheduled for court proceedings, he or she may be released “on bail.” This means that the offender may be released from imprisonment temporarily if he or she pays the amount of bail money set by the judge. The bail process is set in place as an incentive for the offender to actually show up on the court date. If he or she does not show up, then the court keeps the bail. Without paying the bail at all, the charged individual must remain incarcerated until the court hearing.
Terms to Know
There are certain terms associated with the bail process that people should know if they want to fully understand the procedure.
- Excessive Bail: Unreasonably high bail for the offense committed
- Surety: Individual liable for paying another person’s debt or performing another person’s obligation
- Bail Bond: Given to the court by the accused individual’s surety as incentive for the defendant to show up in court on the date of his or her hearing
- Personal Recognizance: Releasing a defendant based on his or her word that he or she will show up to court at a future, set date
- Bailer: Individual who provides the bail necessary to release a defendant
- Bailee: Individual who is given personal property as a bailment
- Bail-Jumping: Defaulting on one’s bail
These are the basic terms associated with the bail process. If you are interested in fully understanding this area of law, it is crucial that you familiarize yourself with the above expressions.
Contact Us
If you have questions about the bail process, then the West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyers of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. have the answers. Contact our offices today at 561-353-2800 to speak with one of our qualified attorneys about your concerns.
