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Rolando Cantu is the founding attorney of the Law Office of Rolando D. Cantu. He is committed to providing aggressive and high level legal representation—successfully defending clients charged with state and federal criminal offenses. He works on every case as a priority with personal attention, while prioritizing their needs. 

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What is a Personal Bond?

Feb 23, 2023

What is a Personal Bond?

A personal bond, otherwise known as a PR bond or , is a binding agreement between the defendant and court that promises to return for any future hearings and comply with all guidelines placed on their release. In this blog, we will explore what precisely a personal bond entails and how it functions.

How Does a Defendant Obtain a Personal Bond

As long as you meet the qualifications and promise to show up for your court dates, no payment is necessary upon release. The court may order that a personal bond fee assessed under Section 17.42 be paid before the defendant is released. This administrative fee of $20 or 3% of the bond amount within 7 days after being released from custody.


A personal recognizance bond can be applied for depending on these aspects:


  • Your charge
  • Criminal record
  • Flight risk
  • Threat to the community


Personal bonds are typically used when the charge is a misdemeanor or low-level felony. Many small businesses also use personal bonds to guarantee payment of certain taxes while they are in operation. The surety company issues the bond and backs it up with their own money, with the principal as the person who must abide by all conditions laid out in the agreement.


An
experienced attorney can help a defendant get the best terms for their personal bond and carry out the necessary paperwork.

What Rights Does a Personal Bond Entail?

The rights presented in this type of bond are similar to those with any other bond, including an appearance at all hearings and court appearances related to your case. However, more importantly, a personal bond brings freedom to the defendant while they await their hearing. This means that you are able to go about your daily life, with no other obligation than appearing in court when needed.


Additionally, if any conditions put upon release are violated, the court will be notified and an arrest warrant may be issued against you.

Personal Bond in Texas

In Texas, personal bonds are issued in accordance with the Bail Bond Board. The board consists of appointed members and works to standardize bail bonds best practices throughout the state. In order to get a personal bond, you must first fill out an application form and submit it for review by a judge.


The court looks at several factors when determining the terms of the bond, such as severity of charge, criminal record and risk to society. Depending on the outcome, different conditions may be placed on your release, including a curfew or drug tests. It is important for you to follow all instructions given by law enforcement or you could end up facing more serious repercussions.


According to the
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, a defendant can only be released on their own recognizance in certain cases, such as if the offense is considered a misdemeanor or if the defendant has no prior convictions.

The Art. 17.03 states that the court may grant a personal bond if certain conditions are met. The defendant must have a valid ID, reliable contact information and be able to pay an administrative fee of $20 or 3% of the bond amount within 7 days after being released from custody.


Also, the defendant must agree to comply with all conditions of the bond and not commit any further offenses while out on bond. Failing to do so could result in a revocation of the bond, which can lead to being held without bail until the resolution of your case.


Texas provides this service in many of its largest and most popular cities, but unfortunately not in the smaller towns or rural counties. If you are arrested here, you must provide a surety bond that comes with administering fees from an approved third-party agent appointed by the state to ensure your release.


Release on personal bond is not granted in all cases and the terms may vary. The court's decision is usually final and cannot be reconsidered or appealed.

Why Might a Personal Bond be Revoked?

If you fail to adhere to any of the conditions set forth in your bond agreement, the court may choose to revoke it forcing a defendant to remain in jail pending trial. This means that all bail money will be forfeited and an arrest warrant will be issued for your immediate return to custody. Reasons why a personal bond might be revoked include:


  • Missing court appearances
  • Failing to pay court fees or fines on time
  • Committing a crime or violating any of the terms laid out in your bond agreement


The revocation process is managed by the court and must be done through a formal hearing. During the hearing, a judge will determine if there is enough evidence to prove that you have violated the terms of your bond and how to proceed with handling the situation. The judge has full discretion to revoke or keep the bond in place, depending on their assessment. Once revoked, you will have to go back to the court and pay a new bond in order to be released from custody again.

It is important for you to understand all the conditions of your personal bond before signing it, so that you can avoid any potential repercussions. As with any other type of bail bonds, personal bonds provide an opportunity for those who are accused of a crime to be released back into the community, but they also come with certain obligations and responsibilities.


By following all instructions given by the court and law enforcement, you can ensure that your bond is not revoked and that you remain in compliance with all conditions of your release.

Bail bond vs personal bond

A bail bond is a form of surety insurance that is purchased from a third-party agent and guarantees the release of an arrested individual when they pay a predetermined amount of money. Bail bonds are typically used when an accused person is unable to pay the full bail amount set by the court and require a third-party guarantee of payment.


A personal bond, on the other hand, is an agreement between the court and an arrested individual that allows them to be released without the need for paying a bond or other security. Personal bonds are typically used when an individual is charged with a minor offense and the court deems them not to be a flight risk.


Overall, bail bonds are more expensive than personal bonds since they require a third-party guarantee, while personal bonds allow individuals to be released without paying any money or obtaining a bond.

Why you should hire an Attorney for a Personal Bond

An experienced attorney is invaluable when it comes to personal bonds. They can help you navigate the complicated legal system and provide advice on the best course of action. They will be able to identify any potential issues with your case that might hinder your release and discuss them with you in detail so you make the most


The decision to seek a personal bond is ultimately yours, but it should be made with the help of an experienced attorney. An attorney can provide you with essential information and
legal advice that will make the process go more smoothly and increase your chances of success. They can also ensure that all of your rights are respected and that you understand the conditions of your bond. With their assistance, you can be released from jail as soon as possible and start to prepare for your trial.

Bail bondsman vs defense attorney

A bail bondsman is a professional who helps individuals pay their court-ordered bond amounts. Bail bondsmen are licensed and insured by their state and are responsible for providing surety to the court that the defendant will appear in court when they are required to do so.


A bail bondsman is also responsible for collecting collateral from the defendant, such as a house, car or other property in order to guarantee payment of the bond amount.


A defense attorney, on the other hand, is an experienced lawyer who specializes in criminal defense and represents individuals charged with a criminal offense. They are responsible for providing legal advice and guidance to their clients, as well as representing them in court.


Defense attorneys work to ensure that their client's rights are being respected and that they receive a fair trial. They can also provide invaluable guidance regarding the legal system, the criminal justice process, and the potential consequences of a conviction.

The bottom line

If a loved one has been arrested and is facing criminal charges, it may be possible for them to be released on a personal bond. It is important to understand the requirements and conditions of a personal bond before signing as they are legally binding and cannot be reconsidered or appealed once finalized.


At the
Law Office of Rolando Cantu, he can provide guidance in navigating the legal system and help ensure that all conditions are met in order to avoid any potential issues or revocation of the bond. With his assistance, you can ensure that your loved one will remain out of jail until their trial.

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