Atlanta, Georgia Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
In the federal system, you cannot be released on bond until you are brought before a Magistrate Judge, who sets the conditions of release, including a bond amount.
Usually bond will consist of one of the following, or a combination thereof:
A signature bond, where the defendant or a number of relatives or close friends will promise to pay money if the defendant fails to appear or violates the other conditions of his release, or
A cash bond, where the defendant or a number of relatives or close friends will post a cash deposit, or
A property bond, where the defendant or a number of relatives or close friends will post real estate as security for his/her release.
In the event that the defendant fails to appear for any required court appearances or violates the conditions of release, the court may revoke the bond, giving the government the posted money or a lien on the title to the posted property. If the defendant satisfies all conditions of his/her bond, the bond will be discharged, and the money returned or property lien released at the conclusion of the case.
