South Carolina Bail Bonds Practice Exam

What is a defining characteristic of an appearance bond?

1. It requires collateral

2. It ensures the defendant appears in court

3. It is always a cash bond

4. It involves a co-signer

The correct answer is: It ensures the defendant appears in court

An appearance bond is specifically designed to ensure that a defendant appears in court for their scheduled hearings. This type of bond is a commitment made by the defendant, which may be contingent upon certain conditions, but its primary purpose is to guarantee the individual's return to the courtroom after being released from custody. When a court accepts an appearance bond, they are expressing a level of trust that the defendant will fulfill their obligation to show up for future court dates. The other options, while related to different forms of bonds, do not accurately capture the primary function of an appearance bond. For instance, while collateral may be required in certain types of bonds, it is not a defining feature of an appearance bond specifically. Additionally, it is not accurate to say that an appearance bond is always a cash bond, as bonds can also be secured through a surety or other means. Similarly, while some bonds may involve a co-signer, an appearance bond is not defined by the presence of a co-signer; rather, its main focus is ensuring the defendant's appearance in court.