North Carolina Bail Bonds Practice Exam

What is the term used for an agreement that ensures a defendant will appear in court?

1. Surety Agreement

2. Judgment Bond

3. Bail Bond

4. License Bond

The correct answer is: Bail Bond

The term that signifies an agreement ensuring a defendant's appearance in court is "Bail Bond." This legal contract involves a surety (often a bail bondsman) who guarantees the court that the defendant will appear at all scheduled court hearings. If the defendant fails to appear, the bail bond is forfeited, and the surety may be responsible for paying the full bail amount set by the court. This mechanism helps maintain the integrity of the judicial process by providing an incentive for defendants to adhere to their court obligations. In the context of the other terms, a surety agreement typically refers to the broader arrangement between the parties but does not specifically address the defendant's court appearance. A judgment bond is usually associated with guaranteeing the payment of a judgment, and a license bond pertains to ensuring compliance with licensing laws or regulations. None of these terms encapsulate the specific purpose of assuring a defendant's court appearance like a bail bond does.