How Does a Signature Bond Work?

What is a Signature Bond?

A signature bond is a type of court bond that a suspect arraigned before a court signs, promising to show up in court on the next required court date. Failure to do so means that he will have an arrest warrant issued against him. Upon the execution of the arrest warrant, the individual must pay the amount specified on the bond as a fine (without refund) for not attending court.

How Do They Work?

A signature bond is different from a cash bond, because the suspect does not pay the bond amount upfront. The amount is paid only if he fails to present himself before court on the day and time required. The amount paid for a signature bond is essentially a fine for not appearing in court as promised after signing the bond. The fine incurred as a result of absconding a signature bond is different and independent of the fine the suspect might have to pay as a result of their crime.

The amount of money in a signature bond, which is money that a suspect promises to pay in case they fail to appear in court (upon which a warrant of arrest against them will be issued, as mentioned) varies from case to case. Normally, the more serious the crime for which the person in question is suspected, the higher the amount they have to promise to pay in case they fail to appear in court on the required date(s) and time(s).

Considerations

Not every suspect qualifies for a signature bond. If the court believes that the suspect is likely to flee, then the suspect will likely be denied a signature bond. Similarly, if a court believes that the suspect is likely to interfere with investigations into the case, then the suspect may be denied a signature bond and any other type of bond. A suspect who is being tried for a very serious crime or one who has a proven criminal record are other types of criminals who may be denied a signature bond.