What is defined as a bond that requires collateral or a cash deposit?

A secured bond is defined as one that requires collateral or a cash deposit to guarantee the bond's payment. This form of bond provides increased assurance to the bail bondsman or the court that the defendant will appear for their scheduled court dates. Because it involves collateral, a secured bond minimizes the financial risk for the bail bondsman, as they have a tangible asset they can claim if the defendant fails to comply with court requirements.

In the context of bail, collateral can take many forms, including property, cash, or other valuables, which are held as security until the case is resolved. If the defendant appears in court as required, the collateral is typically returned; if not, the collateral may be forfeited and used to cover the bond amount.

The other options represent different types of bonds without the requirement of collateral. An unsecured bond, for instance, does not require any collateral and relies solely on the defendant’s promise to appear. A conditional bond may include specific stipulations but does not inherently require collateral. Lastly, a personal recognizance bond allows a defendant to be released based on their promise to return to court without needing any upfront payment or collateral, reflecting a higher level of faith in the defendant’s reliability.