Legal Definitions - release on recognizance

Release on recognizance is when an arrested person is allowed to go free before their trial without having to pay bail or provide a surety. Instead, they promise in writing to appear in court on a later date.

For example, if someone is arrested for a minor offense like a traffic violation, they may be released on their own recognizance. This means they can go home and don't have to pay any money to be released from jail. They just have to promise to show up in court on the date of their trial.

Release on recognizance is also known as ROR or release on own recognizance. It is a way to reduce the number of people in jail while they wait for their trial. It is usually only granted to people who are not considered a flight risk or a danger to the community.