In misdemeanor or minor offenses there are a couple of routes a judge may take. The first is through the typical process of a surety bond, which is an agreement between you, the judge and a bonding company. Another route, however, is a personal recognizance bond, or PR Bond, which means that the court releases you on your own recognizance or ‘merit.’ You can learn more about the difference between a ‘Bail Bond and Recognizance Bond’ here.
Who is Eligible for a PR Bond?
To be offered a recognizance bond, or PR Bond, the charge must be a minor offense, and typically, it must be a first offense. This is because the courts allow you to leave with the promise that you will return for your court dates. Also, the judge will take into account the chance of danger being caused, and whether the defendant has family, job, or other ties that must be kept.
What Does a PR Bond Require?
When you are presented with the option of a recognizance bond, or PR Bond, you will be required to sign a court document stating that you promise to appear for any and all scheduled court dates. Just like other types of bonds, any absence from the court will result in the cancellation of your PR Bond.
It’s also important to clarify any travel regulations set by the judge. Sometimes, there are county, state, or even city boundaries for bonded defendants, so ensure that you know what your personal guidelines are. These bonds also require any legal fees or penalties to be paid on time. Nonpayment of fines or charges can result in the cancellation of your PR Bond.
While bonding out on your own recognizance can save you time and money, it is imperative that you are clear on every guideline set by the judge to ensure your bond stays in good standing.
If you have questions about a recognizance bond or another type of bond, call Owen’s Bonding at 866-830-2663 today to speak with our experts.