Legal Glossary
Navigating the legal system can often feel overwhelming, especially when you encounter complex terms. Our Legal Glossary is designed to simplify these legal jargons, providing you clear, easy-to-understand definitions. Here, we demystify some common terms you might encounter during the bail bond process:
Absconding Debtor
A person who intentionally leaves a jurisdiction to avoid being legally pursued.
Accused
The person against whom legal charges are made.
Action
All the steps taken by a party to enforce a right in court or during a criminal prosecution.
Arraign
The process where the person accused (defendant) is called by name, the charges against them are read, and they are asked to plead guilty or not guilty.
Arrest
When someone is taken into police custody due to alleged violation of the law. Once in jail, the person becomes an "inmate."
Bail
A sum of money that must be paid to release someone from jail until their court date. The amount tends to be higher for severe crimes.
Bail Bond
A written agreement between a defendant and a bail bondsman. If the defendant doesn't attend court, the bail bondsman must pay the full bail amount or lose the provided collateral.
Bail Bondsman
A person who, for a fee, agrees to pay the bail for a defendant, ensuring the defendant will appear in court.
Bail Forfeiture
When a defendant misses a court date, the bail bondsman is required to pay the total amount of bail, this is called Bail Forfeiture.
Collateral
Something of value, like property or assets, that a defendant gives to a bondsman to ensure payment.
Court Order
A command or mandatory direction issued by a judge during a case, including administrative procedures.
Criminal Defence Lawyer
A legal representative who organizes and represents a person accused of a crime.
Defendant
A person who is accused of committing a crime.
Felony
A serious criminal offense. In general, bail for felonies is set at a high amount.
Forfeiture
When a defendant misses a court date, causing the bondsman to pay the bail bond amount.
Indemnitor
A person who co-signs for the defendant's bail bond and promises to pay a fixed amount if the defendant does not appear in court.
Initial Appearance
A process where an arrested defendant is presented to a judicial officer who explains the charges, the defendant's rights, and sets conditions for pre-trial release.
Licensed Bail Agent
A person or company authorized by a government agency to arrange bail for accused individuals.
Misdemeanor
A less severe criminal offense than a felony. Misdemeanors may be resolved with a fine or community service, but are still serious offenses.
Surety
A person who agrees to be responsible for another. In the bail bond process, a bondsman acts as a surety, taking responsibility for the defendant's appearance in court.
Warrant
A written order by a judge commanding a peace officer to arrest the named person or to search for and seize specified property.
Still have questions?
Navigating the legal system can be challenging, but at Out Fast Bail Bonds, we’re here to help. Our team is available 24/7 via phone, and you can also reach us by email. We’ll promptly respond to your email on the next business day.