Bail Bond Terms

Bail Bond
A power of attorney issued to a surety insurance company and executed by a licensed agent to allow a defendant freedom from incarceration, pending adjudication of the criminal case.

Bail Agent
An individual licensed by the Department of Insurance who contracts for the undertaking of bail.

Collateral
Assets pledged by an indemnitor as security for the appearance of a defendant released on a bail bond.  Collateral is returned to the depositor upon adjudication of the case.

Defendant
A person required to appear in court to answer pending charges.

Forfeiture
Issued by the court advising non-appearance of a defendant on bail, stipulating schedule of demand for full payment of the subject bail bond.

Indemnitor
Friend or family of the defendant who accepts liability for the bail bond by pledging real or personal property.

Own Recognizance (O.R.)
Release from custody by making a personal promise to appear in court on a date mandated by the court.

Liability
Responsibility for any financial loss incurred in connection with the bail bond posted.

Premium
The bail bond fee as regulated by the Department of Insurance, which is typically 10% of the bail amount.