Getting released on your own recognizance means that the defendant is released from custody without paying bail if they agree to appear in court at their scheduled time. The judge decides whether own recognizance (OR) release should be granted based on factors like the seriousness of the crime, criminal history, employment status, and ties to the community.
Failing to appear in court if you are released on your own recognizance can lead to incarceration and other consequences. If an own recognizance release is not granted, the defendant would likely have to pay to get out of jail. For more information on this matter and bail assistance, reach out to a trusted Columbus bail bondsman and schedule a consultation.
What It Means To Be Released on Your Own Recognizance
If you’ve been researching “own recognizance meaning,” you should know that a defendant may be held in custody while their criminal case is pending. However, a judge may grant them pretrial release, allowing them to remain out of jail while they await trial.
In Ohio, judges are to impose the least restrictive measures to ensure that the defendant returns to court for required hearings. In some cases, that means the judge sets a financial bail. In others, it may be that the defendant is released on their own recognizance (OR).
To be released on your own recognizance means that the defendant does not have to pay anything to get out of jail. Instead, they are let out on their promise to return to court.
How Does a Judge Decide Whether OR Release Should Be Granted?
Deciding whether an own recognizance release should be granted is ultimately up to the judge. They’ll consider factors such as the defendant’s criminal record, relationship with family and community, and their occupation, as well as the charge they’re facing at the moment.
These considerations are made to determine whether the defendant might:
- Not appear in court
- Harm the victim, witnesses, or other members of the community
- Obstruct justice
If the judge determines that the defendant will appear in court as required, they will grant release on the defendant’s own recognizance. Understanding what it means to be released on your own recognizance can help you make smart decisions after an arrest.
What Consequences Are Associated with OR Release?
If a defendant is released on their own recognizance, they might have certain conditions placed on them. For instance, they might have travel restrictions, be ordered not to contact the victim, or be ordered to attend a drug or alcohol class.
The defendant will also be required to appear for future court hearings. Failing to show can result in serious consequences. For example, if the offense the defendant was initially charged with was a felony, they will be charged with an additional fourth-degree felony, penalized by up to 18 months of imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
If the underlying crime were a misdemeanor, they would be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor, carrying a jail term of not more than 180 days and/or a fine of not more than $1,000. As you can see, understanding what it means to be “released on own recognizance” is important, as failing to attend future proceedings can lead to serious penalties.
What Happens If OR Release Isn’t Granted?
If a judge decides that releasing a defendant on their own recognizance is not an appropriate course, they will likely impose financial conditions of bail. In other words, the defendant would have to pay to get out of jail.
The judge will consider several factors, like the defendant’s behavior and character, criminal history, and current obligations, to determine the bail amount.
What If the Bail Amount Is Too High?
If you are released on your own recognizance, judges can’t impose excessive bail that serves only as punishment. However, they can order amounts they deem necessary to ensure the defendant’s return to court. These amounts can be high.
Unfortunately, many people find that bail is beyond their financial means. Still, resources are available to those in this situation. The defendant could reach out to a bail bond agency for help. For a small, non-refundable fee, an agent will process paperwork and post bail on the defendant’s behalf.
Call (614) 221-0100 today to speak with our experienced Ohio bail bondsman!
What Happens After You’re Released From Jail?
Being released on own recognizance does not mean your case is over. You are still under court supervision, and what you do next matters. The first hours and days after release can impact the rest of your case and your future.
Make sure to take the following steps after your release:
- Review your paperwork carefully, taking note of your court dates, conditions of release, and any restrictions.
- Mark down your court date immediately.
- Follow all release conditions, including travel limits and no-contact orders.
- Keep your contact information updated so courts can reach you.
- Ask questions if you’re unsure about something, as mistakes can hurt your case.
Contact Us to Learn More About What It Means to Be Released on Your Own Recognizance
If you need help bailing yourself or a loved one out of jail, turn to Andy Callif Bail Bonds. Our team understands how stressful times like these can be, which is why you’ll always speak with a live person who is ready to help.
We’ll explain what it means to be released on your own recognizance, walk you through every step, and move fast so there are no unnecessary delays.
We offer free and confidential consultations, payment plans after the required 10% is paid, and 24/7 service. Our bondsman travels directly to the jail to post bond. We get you out. We get you home. Call (614) 963-3247 anytime.
Our Ohio bail bondsman is available 24/7, call us (614) 221-0100!