A personal bond, personal recognizance bond, or PR bond is a sworn agreement by an alleged offender that they will show up in court when required and follow all release conditions. They do not have to pay any money to be released, but they might have to pay an administrative fee of $40 or three percent of the bond amount to Travis County Pretrial Services within seven days of their release.

A personal bond is common in most major jurisdictions throughout Texas, although a person may not have as much luck obtaining one when they are arrested in a smaller, more rural location. 

If you’ve been arrested, always work with an experienced Austin criminal defense attorney to see if you can obtain a personal bond. A lawyer can represent you to a judge at the bond hearing and request a release on personal bond.

Texas Personal Bond Laws

Texas personal bond laws allow eligible individuals to be released from jail without paying a cash bond or use a bail bondsman. The purpose of personal bonds is to provide an alternative to pretrial detention for those who are not considered a flight risk or a danger to the community.

Under Texas law, a personal bond may be granted by a judge, magistrate, or other authorized court official. The determination regarding a personal bond is based on several factors, including: 

• The severity of the offense
• The defendant’s criminal history
• The defendant’s ties to the community
• The likelihood of the defendant appearing in court

In Texas, most misdemeanor offenses are eligible for personal bonds, as well as some non-violent felony offenses. However, certain offenses such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and drug trafficking are not eligible for personal bonds.

To be considered for a personal bond, the defendant must submit an application to the court. The application includes information such as the defendant’s personal and employment history, current address, and any previous criminal charges or convictions. Additionally, the defendant may have to provide references or undergo a criminal background check.

If the court grants a personal bond, the defendant will be released from jail on the condition that they appear for all future court appearances and comply with any other conditions set by the court. These conditions may include things like abstaining from alcohol or drugs, staying away from certain individuals or locations, or wearing an electronic monitoring device.

If the defendant fails to comply with the conditions of their personal bond, the court may revoke the bond and issue a warrant for their arrest. Additionally, the defendant may be required to pay a cash bond or use a bail bondsman to secure their release from jail.

Texas personal bond laws provide a valuable option for eligible individuals to be released from jail without having to pay a cash bond or use a bail bondsman. However, it’s important to understand the eligibility requirements and conditions of a personal bond, as well as the potential consequences of non-compliance. Not everyone immediately receives a personal bond, and a criminal defense attorney can help determine whether this is a possibility in your case. 

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Texas Can Help You Get a Personal Bond

A criminal defense lawyer in Texas can be a valuable asset when seeking a personal bond. We have the experience and knowledge to guide you through the application process and advocate on your behalf in court.

Our firm can review your case and determine if you are eligible for a personal bond based on your criminal history, ties to the community, and other relevant factors. We can also help you prepare a strong application and provide references to support your request for a personal bond.

A criminal defense lawyer can also negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the severity of the charges against you or to drop charges altogether. This can improve your chances of being granted a personal bond.

Contact Our Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are hoping to be granted a personal bond in Texas, you want to be sure that you have the right legal assistance. The Law Office of David D. White, PLLC understands the most effective ways to approach these cases and we will work closely with you to help you achieve the most favorable outcome to your criminal case.

Our firm understands how stressful these situations are not only for alleged offenders, but also their entire families. You can call (512) 369-3737 or contact our Austin criminal defense attorney online to arrange a free consultation.