What is an Own Recognizance (OR) bond?

An Own Recognizance (OR) bond is a legal arrangement where a defendant is released from custody without having to pay bail or provide collateral, based solely on their promise to return for court appearances. This type of bond is typically granted by a judge who assesses the individual’s ties to the community, their criminal history, and the nature of the charges against them. Since no collateral is required, it emphasizes the trust in the defendant's commitment to comply with judicial proceedings.

In this context, it’s important to note that the other options describe different types of bonding arrangements. For instance, a bond requiring property as collateral would involve secured obligations, whereas an OR bond relies exclusively on the defendant’s word. Similarly, a bond issued exclusively by a bondsman implies financial backing from that professional entity, which contrasts with the self-represented nature of OR bonds. Additionally, stating that an OR bond guarantees release only for non-violent offenders does not accurately reflect its application, as this type of bond can be granted to various offenders based on the judge's discretion.