​Terminology

Arraignment

A legal document calling someone to court to answer an indictment.

 

Arrest

The action of seizing someone to take into custody.

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Bail Bond

A written promise signed by a defendant or a surety (one who promises to act in place of another) to pay an amount fixed by a court should the defendant named in the document fail to appear in court for the designated criminal proceeding at the date and time specified.

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Bail Bondsman

A bail bond agent, or bondsman, is any person or corporation that will act as a surety and pledge money or property as bail for the appearance of persons accused in court.

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Bond Premium

The premium is the dollar amount owed to the bail agency for posting the bond. Typically this premium is equal to 10% of the bail.

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Bond Forfeiture

Order by the court that the surety pay to the court the amount of security pledged for failure of an accused to comply with the requirements of the bond.

 

Collateral

Any property or money pledged or given to guarantee bail.

 

Conditions of Release

Conditions of release are set by the judge at arraignment and are there to set limits of what the defendant can and

cannot do while their case is pending trial.

 

Extradition

The action of extraditing a person accused or convicted of a crime.

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Lien

A claim upon the real property of another for some debt. The property remains in the defendant’s possession.

 

Posting Bail

The process by which the amount needed to release a person from custody is paid to the courts.

 

Surety

A person who makes himself or herself responsible for the defendant’s obligation to appear in court and agrees to pay

money or do other acts in the event that the defendant does not appear.

 

Warrant

An authorization issued by a magistrate or other official allowing a constable or other officer to search or seize property,

arrest a person, or perform some other specified act