Bail
Money or property deposited with the court to secure the release of a defendant from custody, ensuring their appearance at future court proceedings.
Encyclopedia entry: Bail
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bail
Bail is the money a defendant pays as a guarantee that they will show up in court at a later date. A failure to return triggers the bond obligation and allows the court to keep any money given as security . According to the American Bar Association , the judge or magistrate decides the amount of bail by weighing many factors, including:
- the risk of the defendant fleeing,
- the type of crime alleged ,
- the "dangerousness" of defendants, and
- the safety of the community.
Sometimes bail is conditioned on certain behavior of the defendant; for example, that they have no contact with the alleged victim .
[Last reviewed in November of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team
]
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Encyclopedia content from Cornell LII Wex (CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5).
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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.