Legal Definitions - ROR

ROR stands for Release on Recognizance.

Release on Recognizance (ROR) is a type of pre-trial release where a person accused of a crime is allowed to leave jail without having to post bail or provide any financial security. Instead, the court releases the defendant based solely on their written promise, or "recognizance," to appear for all future court dates. Judges typically grant ROR when they believe the defendant is not a flight risk and does not pose a danger to the community, often considering factors like the severity of the alleged crime, the defendant's ties to the community, and their past criminal record.

• Example 1: Minor Misdemeanor with Strong Community Ties

  Maria is arrested for a misdemeanor charge of shoplifting, her first offense. During her initial court appearance, the judge learns that Maria has a stable job, owns a home in the community, and has several family members living nearby. Concluding that Maria has strong ties to the area and is unlikely to flee, the judge grants her Release on Recognizance. This means Maria can return home immediately without paying bail, provided she promises to attend all her scheduled court hearings.

• Example 2: First-Time, Non-Violent Offender

  David, a college student with no prior criminal record, is charged with public intoxication, a non-violent misdemeanor. At his arraignment, the judge considers David's clean history, his enrollment in a local university, and his family's residence in the same city. The judge determines that David is not a flight risk and poses no threat to public safety. Consequently, David is released on his own recognizance, with the understanding that he must appear for all subsequent court proceedings related to his charge.

• Example 3: Traffic Offense with Established Reliability

  Mr. Chen, a respected community volunteer and small business owner, is arrested for driving with an expired license, a minor traffic offense. Given his long-standing reputation in the community, stable residence, and lack of any prior arrests for serious offenses, the court views him as a reliable individual. The judge decides to release Mr. Chen on recognizance, trusting his word that he will appear for his court date to resolve the traffic violation without the need for a bail payment.