Which type of bond requires a promise to pay if the defendant fails to appear?

An unsecured bond is characterized by the defendant's promise to pay a specific amount if they fail to appear in court. This type of bond does not require the defendant to provide collateral or cash up front. Instead, it relies on the defendant's commitment to appear for their scheduled court dates, creating a trust-based system where the defendant holds a significant responsibility for their court attendance.

When a defendant opts for an unsecured bond, they essentially agree to a 'promise to pay' arrangement, which can be an important aspect for individuals who may not have available resources to pay cash up front or provide collateral. The primary risk with unsecured bonds is that if the defendant does not appear for their hearing, legal action can be pursued to collect the stipulated amount, reinforcing the importance of accountability in the judicial process.

The other types of bonds mentioned, such as secured, cash, and performance bonds, operate under different premises and conditions regarding collateral, upfront payments, and specific performances, which do not align with the promise-to-pay structure inherent in unsecured bonds.