What is an "appeal bond"?

An appeal bond is specifically a type of bond that is required from a defendant who wishes to appeal a conviction. This bond ensures that the defendant will pay any judgment or fine that is upheld upon the completion of the appeal process. The purpose of the appeal bond is to protect the interests of the state or the victim by guaranteeing that the defendant has a financial commitment to fulfill if the appeal does not succeed. This also allows the defendant to remain free while the appeal is underway instead of being incarcerated post-conviction, provided they meet the bond requirements.

The other options do not accurately describe an appeal bond. For instance, while an appeal bond may allow a release during the appeal process, it does not function as a general bond for immediate release post-arrest or as an automatic release condition for all defendants. Additionally, it does not prevent further legal action, as the appeal process itself represents a continued legal action where the conviction is being challenged. Thus, the definition tied to option B is the most accurate and reflects the specific purpose of an appeal bond in the legal system.