Recognizance is an obligation entered by a person before a court. Recognizer acknowledges or recognizes that he/she will do a specific act necessary by law. By doing so, a recognizer himself/herself obliged with a debt to the government. The obligation will be avoided if s/he satisfies certain conditions. Recognizance is common with regard to bail in criminal cases. Defendants are released on their own recognizance if bail bond is not set. In the U.S. it is termed as ROR meaning, "Release on Recognizance".
This form is a generic example that may be referred to when preparing such a form for your particular state. It is for illustrative purposes only. Local laws should be consulted to determine any specific requirements for such a form in a particular jurisdiction.
The District of Columbia Agreement to Appear Pursuant to Release on own Recognizance (OR) is a legal document specific to the District of Columbia that allows an individual who has been arrested for a crime to be released from custody without having to pay bail. This agreement enables the defendant to await their trial outside of jail, thus maintaining their freedom while ensuring their appearance in court. The District of Columbia Agreement to Appear Pursuant to Release on own Recognizance serves as an alternative to pretrial detention and is granted to individuals who are deemed low flight risks and pose little threat to public safety. It acknowledges that the defendant, in good faith, will attend all court hearings, follow any imposed conditions, and refrain from further illegal activities. By entering into this agreement, defendants can avoid the financial burden of bail while still abiding by the court's requirements. This is especially beneficial for those who may lack the means to pay bail or find the amount set to be excessive. There are a few different types of District of Columbia Agreement to Appear Pursuant to Release on own Recognizance depending on the specific circumstances of the case: 1. Regular OR Release: This agreement is granted to defendants who are charged with non-violent offenses or have a minimal criminal history. It allows for release from custody without the need to pay bail and enables the defendant to be free until their court appearance. 2. Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) Supervised OR Release: This type of agreement includes additional conditions that the defendant must follow, such as regular check-ins with the Pretrial Services Agency, participation in drug testing or counseling programs when applicable, or electronic monitoring. 3. Enhanced OR Release: This agreement is granted to defendants who may pose a slightly higher risk but are still deemed eligible for release on their own recognizance. It may involve more stringent conditions or supervision than the regular OR release. It's important to note that the eligibility for an Agreement to Appear Pursuant to Release on own Recognizance varies depending on the specific circumstances of each case, including the nature of the offense, the defendant's criminal record, ties to the community, and the assessment of flight risk.
