Recognizance

Recognizance is a formal legal obligation that requires an individual to appear in court or comply with a court's order, often without needing to post bail. It is typically used in criminal cases where a defendant may be released from custody, based on their assurance to return for future proceedings. recognizance can also entail specific conditions, such as avoiding contact with certain individuals, attending counseling, or maintaining employment.

Recognizance meaning with examples

• After being arrested for a minor offense, the defendant was released on his own recognizance, promising to return for his court date without having to pay bail. This allowed him to continue working while awaiting trial.
• The judge granted the young woman's request for recognizance, allowing her to stay free because she had no prior offenses and had stable employment. Her commitment to attend all hearings was a key factor in the decision.
• In some jurisdictions, offenders may be placed on recognizance instead of being held in jail, especially in cases where the crime is non-violent and the individual poses little risk to public safety.
• The defendant's family provided affidavits in support of his recognizance application, asserting his ties to the community and his character, ultimately persuading the judge to release him until the trial.
• A suspect accused of a low-level misdemeanor can often secure release on their own recognizance, allowing them to prepare their defense while maintaining their normal daily activities.