Bail Bond Glossary
Plain-English definitions for the terms that come up after an arrest.
If someone at the jail or the courthouse used a word you did not recognize, it is probably here. These are general definitions, not legal advice.
Bail
Money or a bond that secures a person's release from custody while their case is pending, on the promise they will appear at every court date.
Bond schedule
A preset list, used by a county, of bond amounts tied to particular charges. It lets some bonds be posted before a judge is involved.
Bond forfeiture
What happens when a defendant fails to appear. The court moves to collect the full bond amount from whoever guaranteed it.
Capias
A court-issued order to arrest, often issued when someone fails to appear for a scheduled court date.
Collateral
Property or value pledged to secure a bail bond. It can be held until the bond is discharged and is at risk if the bond is forfeited.
First Appearance
The initial hearing, usually within 24 hours of booking, where a judge reviews probable cause, reads the charges, sets or adjusts bond, and can appoint a public defender.
Hold
A restriction that prevents release even when a bond exists — for example an out-of-county warrant, a probation hold, or an immigration detainer.
Indemnitor
The person who signs for a bail bond and guarantees the defendant's appearance. Commonly called the co-signer.
Nolle prosequi
A prosecutor's formal decision not to pursue the charges. Often shortened to 'nolle prossed' or 'no-filed'.
Own recognizance (ROR)
Release without posting a bond, on the defendant's written promise to appear. Usually reserved for lower-level charges and people with local ties.
Premium
The fee charged for posting a bail bond. In Florida this rate is filed with and approved by the state and cannot be discounted.
Surety bond
A bond posted by a licensed bail bond agent on the defendant's behalf, rather than the full amount being paid in cash to the court.
VOP
Violation of probation. VOP cases frequently carry no bond until a judge rules, which is why some people cannot bond out immediately.
Warrant
A court order authorizing an arrest. A warrant can exist without the person knowing about it, and can surface during an unrelated traffic stop.
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