Art. 325 Bail without surety

Sometimes a judge will let someone get out of jail without having to pay a bail bondsman or find someone to co-sign for them. This is called being released on personal bail. The person simply signs an agreement promising to show up for court, instead of putting up money or getting a surety (like a bail bond company) to guarantee it.

This option is up to the judge. The judge can decide if someone is trustworthy enough to be released this way, based on the case and the person's situation. However, there are some cases where the law says this option isn't allowed, so personal bail isn't always available no matter what the judge might prefer.

For the person in custody, this rule can make a big difference. It means they might not have to come up with cash or property, or pay a bond company's fee, just to get out of jail while their case is going on. All they have to do is promise, in writing, that they will come back for their court dates.