Bail
– At the first court appearance, the judge may decide to hold the
accused in jail or release him/her on bail, bond, or on his/her "own
Recognizance" (OR),"
• OR means the defendant promises to return to court for any required
proceedings and the judge does not impose bail because the defendant
appears not to be a flight risk.
– To be released on bail, defendants have to hand over cash or other
valuables (such as property deeds) to the court as security to
guarantee that the defendant will appear at the trial.
– The judge will also consider such factors as drug use, residence,
employment, and family ties in deciding whether to hold or release
the defendant.