What is the difference between Unconditional and Conditional Bail?
Bail is a monetary amount set by a judge to assure that you will return for court, and is generally based on the seriousness of the charged crime and the court history of the individual. The judge will sometimes set “unconditional” bail (a higher bail amount which, if paid, imposes no obligations upon an individual other than to remain law abiding and return for court). The judge will also sometimes set “conditional” bail (a lower bail amount which, if paid, imposes other obligations upon an individual, as set by the court. In many cases, the judge will not impose bail, and release the individual on their promise to return to court. This is called “release on recognizance.
