What is a "surety bond"?

A "surety bond" is defined as a type of bail bond that is guaranteed by a third party, typically an insurance company or a bonding agent. In this arrangement, the bonding company provides the court with a guarantee that the defendant will appear for their court dates. If the defendant fails to appear, the surety is responsible for paying the court the full amount of the bond. This arrangement effectively means that the third party takes on the financial risk associated with the defendant’s potential flight risk, which is crucial in ensuring accountability while allowing the defendant the opportunity to be released from custody prior to trial.

The other options do not accurately describe a surety bond. Direct payments to the court do not involve third-party guarantees but rather constitute a direct financial assurance of compliance. A bond that requires no collateral does not fit the definition of a surety bond, as these typically require collateral to secure the bond. Similarly, a bond that guarantees acquittal is misleading; no bond or surety can guarantee the outcome of a trial, including acquittal.