Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Go Bail: When someone is arrested, they may have to stay in jail until their trial. But if someone puts up money (called bail), the person can leave jail and wait for their trial at home. The person who puts up the money is called the bailer. If the person who got out of jail doesn't show up for their trial, the bailer loses their money. Sometimes, a person can be released without bail if they promise to come to their trial. This is called being released on their own recognizance.
Definition: Go Bail is a slang term for putting up the bail money (cash or bond) to get an accused defendant out of jail after an arrest or pending trial or appeal. This is to ensure that they will appear in court when ordered to do so.
For example, if someone is arrested for a crime, their family or friends may go bail for them by paying the bail money. This allows the accused to be released from jail until their trial or appeal.
However, if the accused does not show up for their court date, the bail money will be forfeited and the court may issue a warrant for their arrest. This is why it is important for the accused to show up for their court date.
There are also cases where a defendant may be released "on their own recognizance," or "O.R." This means that they do not have to pay bail money, but they must sign a promise to show up in court. This is usually only granted to defendants who have strong ties to the community and are unlikely to flee.
Overall, go bail is a way for accused defendants to be released from jail while they await their trial or appeal, but it is important for them to show up for their court date or risk losing the bail money.