How Does Bond Work?
When an individual is arrested and booked for a crime in Ohio, he has several options for release pending the conclusion of his case. A judge may require bail to guarantee a defendant’s appearance at his court hearing if he is considered to be a flight risk or a potential danger to the community. Bail can take the following forms:
- A cash bond, where the defendant deposits the full amount set by the judge and receives a refund of the monies deposited with the court upon conclusion of the case.
- A surety bond, where the defendant has a bail bondsman intervene on his behalf to post a promissory note for the full amount of the bond. In return, the bondsman receives a one-time, non-refundable fee of typically 10% of the stated bond amount.
- A 10% bond, where a defendant deposits 10% of the bond amount, with the other 90% to be paid if the defendant fails to appear at future court dates. If the defendant consistently appears, the defendant will be entitled to a full refund minus a small fee payable to the court.
- A personal recognizance bond, where the defendant signs a statement promising to appear at all future court dates. Failure to appear at a subsequent hearing can result in an additional criminal charge.
- An unsecured appearance bond, where a defendant essentially promises in writing to appear in court as required. The defendant agrees to pay a stated sum of money should they fail to appear in court as promised.
- A property bond, where a defendant can pledge as collateral real estate, so long as there is equity in the property of at least 2x the stated bond amount.