Bail vs Bonds: What’s the Difference?
We often use the words bail and bond interchangeably. Though they might seem similar, they’re very different in legal terms . You should know the difference between them if you or a loved one has to stand trial. This article will help you understand key differences between the two terms and what they mean. Why Do We Need Bails and Bonds? Before we understand the difference between bails and bonds, we need to understand why they’re warranted. When someone is arrested, they have to wait a lot of time till the actual court date. This is where bail and bonds come in. A person can post bail if their judge determines that the defendant can leave. What Is Bail? Bail is a cash payment that the defendant pays to the court. It’s a guarantee that the defendant will appear in court when called. The defendant gets the bail back after trial if they fulfill all requirements. The court keeps the bail if the defendant fails to show up and issues an arrest warrant. What Is a Bond? Bonds ...