There are, generally speaking, three different types of bonds that you might be given when you are charged with a criminal offense. The one given the most often to people with no criminal history who are charged with a minor infraction is called a written promise to appear. Essentially, it is a written statement saying you will come to court on a proper day and at the proper time. If you fail to do so, the court will issue a failure to appear, bring you into court, and likely issue you a new bond.

The second type of bond is an unsecured bond. The Magistrate or Judge will issue you a dollar amount, which you will not owe unless you fail to come to court. So, with both of these types of bonds, if you show up in court, you don’t pay anything.

The third type of bond, a secured bond, is usually reserved for serious offenses or those with a history of not coming to court. In this case, you must pay your bond upfront but will be repaid the bond amount upon completion of all court appearances.