Criminal Procedure
Bond
A financial or secured promise tied to a defendant’s release and future court appearances.
Plain-English definition
A bond is one possible condition of release. It may be unsecured, partially secured, or backed by property or sureties. The point is to create financial consequences if the defendant fails to appear or violates release conditions.
How it works
Bond terms are set by the court and can be modified if circumstances change. State and federal bond practices differ significantly.
Why it matters
Bond affects whether a defendant fights the case from home or from custody, which can change the entire practical defense posture.
Related terms
More in Criminal Procedure
Allocution
A defendant’s opportunity to speak directly to the judge before sentence is imposed.
Arraignment
A criminal proceeding where charges are formally read or presented and the defendant enters an initial plea.
Bail
Release before trial under conditions designed to assure appearance and protect the community.
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
The constitutional proof standard the government must meet to convict a defendant of a crime.
Indictment
A formal criminal charging document issued by a grand jury after finding probable cause to accuse the defendant.
Information
A criminal charging document filed by a prosecutor without a grand jury indictment.
Plea Agreement
An agreement in which a criminal defendant pleads guilty under negotiated terms with the government.
Probable Cause
A practical probability standard used for arrests, searches, warrants, and some charging decisions.
Not legal advice. Definitions are for general reference. Consult an attorney before relying on any term in a real case.