Expert: Dick Rogers - 11/8/2003

Question
Hey,
  I've wondered, are "bail" and "bond" the same thing?

Answer
Generally, bail refers to surety posted when there are criminal charges involved and bond is surety posted to assure compliance or completion of certain conditions usually having nothing to do with criminal matters. Sometimes the terms are loosely used and you sometimes hear people say he had to post "bond" to get out of jail when they really meant bail.