What is defined as cash bail?

Cash bail is defined as a deposit of actual money to the court that serves as collateral to ensure that a defendant will return for their court appearances. When a defendant is granted bail, they can pay a specified amount in cash directly to the court. If they comply with all conditions of the bail and appear in court as required, the cash is returned to them at the conclusion of the case. This is different from paying a bail bond agent, where the agent provides a surety bond and keeps a non-refundable fee, or situations where cash is given directly to a judge, which is not a standard practice in bail procedures. Understanding cash bail is essential for comprehending how the bail system operates in California and its implications for defendants.