What does the term 'release on personal recognizance' refer to?

The term 'release on personal recognizance' refers to a non-financial (unsecured) arrangement where an individual is allowed to be released from custody without having to post a monetary bond. This type of release is typically granted when a judge believes that the individual poses a low flight risk and will comply with court appearances. The individual essentially signs a promise to appear in court when required, relying on their word rather than any financial guarantee.

In this context, the option regarding financial bond involves the posting of money or equivalent security to ensure compliance with court appearances, which contrasts with the concept of personal recognizance. Preventive detention is a legal order to hold a person in custody because they are deemed a flight risk or a danger to the community, and does not align with the notion of release. Judicial release may refer to different types of releases or conditions set by a judge, which might include various monitored or structured release options, but it does not accurately capture the specific nature of release on personal recognizance.