Definition: A PRB stands for Personal Recognizance Bond. In Texas, it’s also known as a personal bond that allows a defendant to leave jail without posting a surety bond. They simply give their word that they will appear at all of their court dates and are free to go. To qualify for a PRB, you will need to provide identification information and must not be on parole, bond, or probation.
For more information about the arrest and bail bond process, please read our comprehensive Dallas County Arrest Guide.
Bail Bonds Dallas, TX
Being arrested can cause a lot of tension and confusion. Not only do you have the charges to worry about, but you also have to keep the arrest itself from ruining your life. You may have family who depends on you and a job that wouldn’t understand you being gone for several days.
While there’s a chance you might earn an easy (free) release via personal recognizance, it’s important to know what your options are if you don’t qualify. And in Dallas county, cash bonds frequently present too much of a financial burden for defendants and their families. In this article, we examine the best bail bond options if you are ineligible for a PR bond.
What is a personal recognizance bond, or PRB?
A personal recognizance bond, or PRB, is a bond set by a court that allows an accused person to be released from custody without having to post bail. The accused is usually required to appear in court on the date specified in the bond and to abide by any other conditions set by the court, such as not leaving the state or county.
If the accused fails to appear in court or violates any of the conditions of the bond, he or she may be subject to arrest and may forfeit any collateral that was posted as part of the bond. Personal recognizance bonds are generally reserved for low-risk offenders who are not considered a flight risk and who do not pose a danger to the community.
How do Dallas County judges determine eligibility?
While personal recognizance bonds are not available in all cases, there are some steps defendants can take to improve their chances of being released on one. First and foremost, defendants should have strong ties to the community.
This might include having a job, owning property, or having family members in the area. Additionally, defendants should have a history of appearing for court dates and complying with conditions of release– assuming they have a criminal history.
Finally, it is important for defendants to present themselves as low-risk and not a danger to the community. This might mean having no history of violence or drug use, for example.
Of course, the final decision on whether or not to grant a personal recognizance bond is up to the judge. It will ultimately depend on the facts and circumstances of each case.
What happens if you are denied a personal recognizance bond?
Being denied a PR bond can have significant consequences without some other form of bail. If you are unable to post bail, you will be held in jail until your court date.
This can mean missing work, being unable to care for your family, and experiencing other disruptions to your life. In some cases, it may even lead to losing your job. As a result, it is important to understand the alternatives to a PR bond.
The first is a cash bond. This means coming up with the full amount of the bail on your own. For felony offenses, this can be unrealistic. A surety bond, on the other hand, offers a more affordable solution.
What is a surety bond?
A surety bail bond is a type of financial guarantee that is typically used in criminal cases. The bail bond is issued by a surety company, which agrees to pay the full bail amount if the defendant fails to appear in court.
In exchange for this guarantee, the defendant or a cosigner typically pays a non-refundable fee to the surety company. If the defendant appears in court as required, the bail bond is voided and the cosigner is not responsible for any additional payments.
However, if the defendant fails to appear, the cosigner may be responsible for the full bail amount, plus any additional fees and accrued interest charges. For an arrestee acting in good faith, it is a far easier way to get out of jail without emptying your loved one’s bank accounts.
What are the benefits of a surety bond?
There are several benefits of using a surety bail bond. First, it allows defendants to be released from jail while they await trial. This can reduce the amount of time spent in jail and also help to reduce the stress and anxiety associated with being incarcerated.
Second, using a surety bail bond can help to protect defendants’ assets. If the defendant is unable to post bail on his or her own, the surety company will pay the bail amount. This can help to prevent the defendant from having to liquidate assets, such as a home or a car, to come up with the bail money.
Additionally, it’s an easier expense for most to shoulder. The fee for a surety bail bond is typically 10% of the bail amount, which is much more manageable than coming up with the full bail amount alone.
Delta Bail Bonds in Dallas, TX: PRB Alternatives
Getting arrested is a frightening experience. You may feel like you’re alone and have no idea what to do next.
Delta Bail Bonds is here to help if you or a loved one is arrested in Dallas County or Collin County. We offer bail bond services that will get you or your loved one out of jail quickly and affordably. We understand that this is a difficult time.
Contact our Dallas bail bondsmen any time, day or night. We’re here to help you navigate this part of the judicial system with greater peace of mind.