Bail or Bond - Is there a difference?

Bail is a cash payment made to a court, while a bond is a guarantee provided by a third party (usually a bail bond company) to cover the bail amount. Bail is typically refundable if the defendant appears in court as required, whereas bond fees are generally non-refundable. Both aim to ensure a defendant's appearance in court, but bail involves direct payment to the court, while bond involves a third party. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• Bail:

• A sum of money posted with the court to ensure the defendant's appearance for court proceedings.

• Can be paid in cash or through a bonding company.

• Refundable if the defendant appears in court as scheduled.

• If the defendant fails to appear, the bail is forfeited.

• Bond:

• A legal agreement, often with a bail bond company, where the company guarantees that the defendant will appear in court.

• The defendant typically pays a fee (often a percentage of the total bond amount) to the bail bond company.

• The bond fee is generally non-refundable.

• If the defendant fails to appear, the bail bond company pays the court the bond amount.