Warrant / Bail

Warrants

A warrant is an order by the Judge to law enforcement authorities to arrest an individual and bring him/her to court. Warrants are ordered when an individual fails to answer a summons by a given court date, if the person being charged presents a risk of flight, or failure to comply with a court order (i.e. payment of fines or conditions imposed as part of sentencing). 

Bail

The bail amount is set by the judge when a warrant is ordered. The purpose of bail is not to punish but to ensure a defendant’s appearance in court for all scheduled appearances until the case is disposed. Bail can be posted by the accused or a surety (someone other than the accused who becomes responsible to ensure the accused appears in court). 

Bail can be posted in the form of cash, check, money order or bond. Other types of bail are ROR (Released on his/her Own Recognizance) or 10% bail option. These options do not have to be offered as the Judge Determines what is appropriate for each case. In addition, if a warrant is issued for failure to pay fines a Cash Purge (cash only) warrant will be issued. If a defendant fails to appear after bail has been posted the bail/bond will be forfeited and a new warrant will be issued. 

At the disposition of the case, bail posted in the form of cash can be applied to penalties with the authorization of the surety. If the use of bail money is not authorized, the bail will be returned to the surety.