Most commonly the money that is paid to the court (usually during the arraignment phase or afterward) which ensures that the defendant who was arrested and released from jail will appear for all required court appearances. A failure to show could result in the forfeiture of the bail money paid. Bail amounts are determined by local bail schedules which are based on the seriousness of the offense charged. A prosecutor may convince a judge to increase bail in the event that a defendant is likely to flee the jurisdiction and not show up (has failed to show for past court appearances.) Likewise, a defense attorney can reduce bail amounts by showing the defending is highly unlikely to flee (for example, strong ties to the community since he or she has a loving family, steady job with a solid career and other bona fide reasons to stay.)
Law Dictionary – Alternative Legal Definition
Fr. In French and Canadian law. A lease of lands. Bail a cheptel. A contract by which one of the parties gives to the other cattle to keep, feed, and care for, the borrower receiving half the profit of increase, and bearing half the loss. Duverger. Bail a ferine. A contract of letting lands. Bail a longues annees. A lease for more than nine years; the same as bail emphyteotique (see infra) or an emphyteutic lease. Bail a loyer. A contract of letting houses. Bail a rente. A contract partaking of the nature of the contract of sale, and that of the contract of lease; it is translative of property, and the rent is essentially redeemable. Clark’s Heirs v. Christ’s Church, 4 La. 286; Poth. Bail a Rente, 1, 3. Bail emphyteotique. An emphyteutic lease; a lease for a term of years with a right to prolong indefinitely; practically equivalent to an alienation.