What is an "OR Bond"?

An "OR Bond," or "Own Recognizance Bond," refers to a legal agreement whereby an individual is released from custody without having to pay bail, based solely on their promise to appear in court for future proceedings. This decision is typically made by a judge who assesses whether the individual is likely to return for their court date without the requirement of financial collateral. The key element of an OR bond is that it reflects the court's trust in the defendant’s commitment to comply with the legal process, thus allowing for their release while ensuring public safety and court attendance.

In general, a bond secured by a commercial bondsman involves paying a fee to a bonding company for releasing an individual, which is not the nature of an OR bond. Similarly, a cash bond requires a monetary deposit that is held until the case is resolved, while a return security deposit pertains to different financial arrangements unrelated to court appearances. These distinctions highlight why the OR bond stands out as a unique mechanism in the judicial system.