Is Bail and Bond the Same Thing?
No, bail and bond are not the same, though they are closely related.
- Bail is the amount of money set by the court to secure a defendant’s release from jail before trial.
- Bond is a financial agreement where a third party (a bail bondsman) pays the bail on behalf of the defendant.
Key Differences Between Bail and Bond
| Feature | Bail | Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Who Pays? | Defendant or family | Bail bondsman (for a fee) |
| Refundable? | Yes, if court appearances are met | No, the bondsman’s fee is non-refundable |
| Cost? | Full bail amount (e.g., $10,000) | Typically 10% of bail (e.g., $1,000 for a $10,000 bond) |
| Requires Collateral? | No, unless it’s a property bond | Sometimes, depending on risk |
| Who Is Responsible? | Defendant | Bail bondsman and co-signer |
Bottom Line
- Bail is the money required by the court for release.
- Bond is an agreement where a bail bondsman pays bail for a non-refundable fee.
If someone can’t afford full bail, they use a bond to secure release.
