Judges will sometimes set a full cash bond. At other times, the judge will set a ten percent bond, which allows for the release of the defendant upon posting only ten percent of the specified bond amount. A personal recognizance or signature bond is a written promise to appear, which does not require the person to put up any money.
Bail bondsmen can also be hired to post a cash bond. However, the amount paid to a bail bondsman is not refundable.
Regardless of the type of bond, the amount of the bond is forfeited should the defendant fail to appear for any scheduled court appearance. Additionally, a warrant will issue, and the defendant may be charged with the additional crime of failure to appear.
Bonds are held by the court until the conclusion of the case.