[header] How to get a bail bond [title] Learn the basic terms. [step] " bail " is money or property held by the court until the defendant returns for trial. " bond " refers to the promise made by the person posting the bond to forfeit the bond if the defendant does not return. 
If the defendant cannot afford to post his or her own bond, he or she can ask a friend, family member, or professional bail agent (also called a bail bondsman) to act as his or her " surety. " a surety is anyone who posts bail on the defendant's behalf.