Bail Bonds
Glossary

A

• Absconding Debtor – A person who deliberately leaves the area or jurisdiction to avoid prosecution or legal proceedings.

• Accused – A person who has been arrested and formally charged with a crime.

• Action – All legal steps taken to enforce a right, including every stage of a criminal prosecution.

• Alias Warrant – A warrant issued when no plea has been entered. A bond may be posted to satisfy this warrant.

• Arraign / Arraignment – A court hearing where the accused is formally charged, advised of their rights, and asked to enter a plea.

• Arrest – When a law enforcement officer takes someone into custody based on probable cause or a warrant.

B

• Bail – Money or property paid to the court to secure a person’s release from jail while awaiting trial.

• Bail Bond – A written agreement ensuring the defendant will appear in court. A bail bonds company guarantees this to the court.

• Bail Bond Company – A licensed business that provides bail services by posting bail on behalf of a defendant.

• Bail Bondsman / Bail Agent – A licensed individual who acts as a surety, posting bail for a fee on behalf of defendants.

• Bail Conditions – Court-ordered terms a defendant must follow while released on bail (e.g., no travel, drug testing, no contact orders).

• Bail Forfeiture – When the court keeps the full bail amount because the defendant failed to appear.

• Bail Schedule – A list of standard bail amounts by offense type, often used before a judge sets final bail.

• Bond Premium – The non-refundable fee paid to a bail bondsman, typically 10% of the full bail amount in Texas.

C

• Capias Warrant – A warrant issued when a defendant has entered a plea but fails to follow the court’s terms.

• Cash Bail – The full amount of bail paid in cash directly to the court.

• Citation – A written notice to appear in court, usually for minor offenses like traffic violations.

• Citation Release (Cite Out) – When law enforcement issues a citation instead of booking the person into jail.

• Collateral / Collateral Security – Property, cash, or other valuables pledged to secure a bail bond. Forfeited if the defendant doesn’t appear.

• Co-Signer (Indemnitor) – A person who signs the bail bond agreement and agrees to take financial responsibility for the defendant.

• Court Order – A directive issued by a judge that must be followed by the parties involved.

• Criminal Defense Lawyer – An attorney who represents individuals charged with crimes and defends them in court.

• Custody – Being held by law enforcement, usually in jail, after an arrest.

D

• Defendant – The person accused of a crime who must appear in court.

• Dismissal – When the court drops charges against a defendant, ending the case.

• DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) – Operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

E

• Exoneration – When a bail bond is discharged by the court, typically after case resolution.

• Escape / Flight Risk – A defendant considered likely to flee before trial may be denied bail or have bail set higher.

F

• Failure to Appear (FTA) – When a defendant does not appear in court as required, triggering bond forfeiture and possibly a warrant.

• Felony – A serious criminal offense that may carry a sentence of more than one year in state prison.

• Forfeiture – The loss of money or property when a defendant violates bail conditions or misses court.

• Fugitive Warrant – A warrant issued for someone who has fled the state or jurisdiction to avoid prosecution or arrest.

G

• Grand Jury – A panel of citizens that reviews evidence and decides whether to formally charge a suspect with a felony.

I

• Incarceration – The act of being confined in jail or prison.

• Indemnitor – Another term for co-signer, the person responsible for the bail bond if the defendant fails to appear.

• Initial Appearance – The defendant’s first court appearance, where bail is typically set and rights are explained.

• Inmate – A person held in jail or prison custody.

J

• Judge – A public official who presides over legal proceedings and makes rulings, including bail decisions.

• Jail – A local facility where individuals are held pending trial or serving short sentences.

L

• Licensed Bail Agent – A state-approved professional authorized to issue bail bonds.

• Lien – A legal claim against property used as collateral for a bail bond.

M

• Misdemeanor – A less serious criminal offense, often punishable by up to one year in county jail.

• Motion – A formal request for a court ruling or order.

O

• Own Recognizance (OR) Release – When a defendant is released from custody without having to post bail, based on trust alone.

P

• Plaintiff – In a civil case, the person who brings the lawsuit.

• Plea – A defendant’s formal response to criminal charges (e.g., guilty, not guilty, no contest).

• Posting Bail – The act of paying bail (in cash or through a bail bond) to secure someone’s release from jail.

• Pretrial Release – When a defendant is released from jail while awaiting trial, either on bail or recognizance.

R

• Release Conditions – Rules the court imposes on someone released from jail, such as GPS monitoring or drug testing.

• Remand – To return a defendant to custody.

• Revocation – When bail or a bond is canceled due to a violation of conditions.

S

• Signature Bond – A bond that doesn’t require cash or collateral, based on the defendant’s signed promise to appear.

• Surety – A person or company (e.g., a bail bondsman) that guarantees a defendant’s court appearance by posting bail.

• Summons – A legal order to appear in court, often issued instead of arrest.

T

• Trial – A formal judicial examination to determine a defendant’s guilt or innocence.

V

• Verdict – The final decision or finding of guilt or innocence made by a judge or jury.

W

• Warrant – A legal order authorizing law enforcement to arrest someone or search property.

• Witness – A person who provides testimony or evidence in a legal case.

• Waiver – The intentional relinquishment of a known right, such as the right to a jury trial.

• Writ – A formal written order issued by a court directing an individual or entity to perform or cease a specific act.