A bail bond is a specialized type of surety bond, used to obtain the release of a criminal defendant who has been required to give bail. Once a bail bond is posted, the suspect is released from custody pending the final disposition of his case. If the suspect does not return for trial, the surety (usually a bail bondsman) forfeits the money or other property deposited with the court. Therefore, if the suspect "jumps bail," the bail bondsman usually employs a bounty hunter to seek out the suspect so as to avoid a forfeiture. Fees charged by bail agents vary, but 10% of the amount of the bond is typical. Bail bonds give arrested individuals who cannot afford the full amount of the bail a means of obtaining the required capital rather than remaining in custody until the case goes to trial.

An alternative to the traditional surety bail bond is the signature bond or recognizance bond, in which the defendant signs a promise to return to the court for trial, with the possibility of the entry of a monetary judgment against him if he fails to do so, but is not required to deposit any cash or property with the court. This type of bond is frequently allowed to defendants with no criminal history, or those who are charged with minor or non-violent offenses and who are not regarded as a flight risk.