If you have been arrested, you may have questions about the bail bond process. In a sense, the bail granted by the judge is an agreement offered to you as an accused person. This agreement carries with it certain obligations that you accept as the price of your release from jail prior to your trial.
Unconditional Bonds
Unconditional bail bonds put the fewest restrictions on you as you await trial. Your movements, living arrangements and typical activities are mostly unaffected as long as two basic requirements are met. These two requirements include attendance at all future court proceedings and not breaking any law while you are out on bond. The amount of an unconditional bail will likely be higher than the amount of a conditional bond. Whether or not the higher cost is worth it depends on the burdens and costs that you would incur under the conditions of a conditional bond.
Conditional Bail Bonds
When a judge orders that you may be released on bail under a conditional bond, the bond will place you under stricter commitments. Judges often agree to a conditional bond if the prosecution persuades them that you pose a risk of fleeing, or that you may be a threat to the public peace or safety. You are also more likely to experience a conditional rather than unconditional bond if the crime you are accused of is a serious felony instead of a misdemeanor.
The burdens placed on you by a conditional bail bond fall …
