Bail Bonds Bail Bond Principles 3

Question 1

What is a 'surety bond' in bail terms?

Accepted Answer

A bond where a third-party bondsman guarantees the full bail amount

Answer

A surety bond involves a bondsman/insurance company guaranteeing payment of the full bail to the court.

Question 2

What is the difference between a cash bond and a surety bond?

Accepted Answer

A cash bond requires the full amount paid in cash; a surety bond uses a bondsman

Answer

A cash bond requires the entire bail amount in cash, while a surety bond uses a bondsman who charges a premium.

Question 3

What is a bail schedule?

Accepted Answer

A predetermined list of bail amounts for specific offenses

Answer

A bail schedule is a preset list of bail amounts assigned to common offenses.

Question 4

What is a recognizance release (ROR)?

Accepted Answer

Release on a written promise to appear without posting money

Answer

Release on own recognizance (ROR) lets a defendant go free on a written promise to appear, with no bail payment.

Question 5

Which factor is a judge LEAST likely to consider when setting bail?

Accepted Answer

The defendant's favorite color

Answer

Bail decisions are based on flight risk, crime severity, and history—not irrelevant personal preferences.

Bail Bonds Practice Test