Walk It Through: The Bail After the Weekend

A partner assault charge, no posted bail, a judge's conditions, and release on recognizance.

Arrested on a Friday for partner or family member assault, a woman asks the jailer what bail is.

Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.

A misdemeanor partner assault charge with release at the first appearance. Detention without bail, a bail bond company and a revocation hearing are left out.

A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.

Words this turns on

Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.

Personal recognizanceRelease before trial on the person's own promise, without money bail, for someone otherwise eligible for bail.
Notice to appearA written notice an officer may give instead of arresting without a warrant, directing the person to appear before a court at a certain time and place.
Order of protectionA court order that may bar contact, keep the respondent a set distance away, and remove the respondent from the home. A temporary order issues at once on a sworn petition showing danger, and a hearing is held within 20 days.
Partner or family memberPartners are spouses and former spouses, people with a child in common, and people who are or were dating or in an intimate relationship. Family members include parents, children, siblings, step and in-law relatives, past or present.