No, bail and bond are related but not the same.

Key difference between Bail & Bond…

Bail

• Definition – Bail is the amount of money set by the court to allow a defendant to be released from jail while awaiting trial.
• How It Works
  • If the defendant (or their family) pays the full bail amount, they are released.
  • The money is refunded if the defendant attends all court dates (minus any fees or fines).
  • If the defendant skips court, the bail is forfeited, and a warrant is issued.

Bond

• Definition – A bond is a financial guarantee that a bail bondsman provides to the court on behalf of the defendant.
• How It Works 
  • Instead of paying the full bail amount, the defendant pays a non-refundable fee (usually 10-15% of the bail) to a bail bondsman.
  • The bondsman posts the full bail to secure the defendant’s release.
  • The defendant (or their family) may have to provide collateral (e.g., house, car, jewelry).
  • If the defendant misses court, the bondsman is responsible for paying the full bail amount and can seize collateral or send a bounty hunter.

Bail – The full amount set by the court to secure release.

Bond – A financial arrangement with a bail bondsman to cover bail for a non-refundable fee.