Personal Recognizance Bond (PR Bond)

What is a PR Bond?

When someone is arrested, the court may set bail—a refundable cash deposit—as a pledge of the accused’s commitment to follow legal procedures and return for trial. For less serious charges, individuals might pay bail directly, promising to reappear in court. Failure to do so results in the deposit being forfeited and a new charge of failure to appear may be added, which could lead to a bench warrant—an arrest warrant issued directly by the court. For higher bail amounts, a bail bondsman can step in; they charge a fee to ensure the court will be paid if the accused doesn’t show up. An alternative option for release without immediate payment is a personal recognizance bond, which requires signing a legal pledge to comply with court dates and conditions, such as abstaining from alcohol or drugs and avoiding certain people or places. This bond is based on the accused’s criminal history, community standing, seriousness of the charge, and other personal factors, like family responsibilities and the potential threat to public safety.

Starting the PR Bond Paperwork

To secure a PR bond, you need to provide details about the charges you’re facing and your connections to the community, including employment and family ties. The court will evaluate your risk of not appearing for trial, your behavior while in custody, and any risk assessment results. They will also take into account any recommendations from legal or pretrial officials, the victim’s safety concerns, and your willingness to adhere to release conditions. Moreover, personal references to vouch for your character and proof of local residency are necessary.

The final step to apply for a PR bond is to submit two crucial documents to the court: one detailing your criminal history and the other, a statement from the police explaining the reason for your arrest. Once the court receives these documents, the process for your PR bond can commence.

A Criminal Defense Attorney Can Speed Up the Process

To obtain a PR bond, allowing you to leave jail without payment, you can either hire a criminal defense lawyer like The Law Office of Ken Gibson or contact Travis County Pretrial Services if you’re facing financial challenges. Criminal defense attorneys typically expedite the bond process, potentially returning your family member home sooner without the financial burden of a bond. Directly accessing county pretrial services could take approximately one to one and a half days, and they may still decline to issue the bond. The Law Office of Ken Gibson has attorneys available 24 hours to initiate PR bond applications, and we have a proven record of securing PR bonds for our clients.

Release Conditions for PR Bond

On a PR bond, you’re expected to show up for every court date. You may face travel limits, meaning you can’t leave a certain area. The court could also order you not to talk to certain people involved in your case. It’s important to avoid any more legal issues. You might need to regularly report to a court officer. If drugs or alcohol are part of your case, you could be tested to make sure you’re not using them.

Fees Associated with the Actual PR Bond

Securing a PR bond tends to be more cost-effective than other types of bail, with an administrative fee ranging from $20 to $150 or 3% of the bond value, due within a week of release. If a PR bond isn’t granted, you have the option to pay a cash bond directly to the Travis County Sheriff, which will be refunded, less a small fee, once the case concludes. As an alternative, a bail bondsman can be engaged for around 10% of the bond amount plus potential co-signers, but this fee is non-refundable. For recommendations on bail bondsmen, please contact us.  Please note If someone skips their court date, they have to pay the entire amount of the original bond amount.

Violating Your PR Bond

If you’re out on a PR bond and you miss your court day or don’t follow the bond’s rules, it’s like knocking over the first domino. It starts a chain of problems that can pile up and make a bad situation even worse.

Sally, a good mother of two, was released on a PR bond, which meant she promised to go to her court date without having to pay. But Sally missed her court date. Here’s what happens next:

1. 1. Arrest Warrant Issued: The court is likely to issue an arrest warrant for Sally because she didn’t show up. This means the police can arrest Sally at any time.
2. 2. Bond Revoked: The court takes away Sally’s PR bond. This means Sally loses her freedom from jail and might be taken back into custody.
3. 3. Additional Charges: Sally could face more legal problems for missing her court date. This is a new offense and adds to her troubles.
4. 4. Higher Bail or Tougher Conditions: If Sally is arrested again, the judge might ask for a higher bail amount or make the rules for her release stricter because she didn’t follow them before.
5. 5. Less Trust: The court might trust Sally less now, which could affect her ongoing case. The judge might be tougher on decisions about bail or bond in the future.
6. 6. Bad for Her Case: Sally’s mistake could hurt her current legal case. It might change how the court sees her character and affect things like plea deals and sentencing.

Submit Your Contact Details to Get Started on a PR Bond

Just because you were arrested does not mean that you are guilty or will be convicted. Getting a PR bond is fast and efficient at The Law Office of Ken Gibson. Once we get you out of jail, we can work to potentially get your charges reduced or dismissed even before your court date. We can gather evidence and potentially persuade the prosecution that their charges lack merit. If that does not work, our team of defense attorneys can develop a strategy to get your charges reduced or dismissed at your court date. The Law Office of Ken Gibson has a track record of favorable outcomes, and we would like to help you obtain a favorable outcome so that you can regain your life and reputation. Submit your contact information to schedule a free legal consultation, available 24 hours a day.