Bail guide
Types of Bonds in North Carolina
“Bond” means several different things in a North Carolina courtroom, and families often hear one word from the jail and another from a lawyer. This guide defines each type of pretrial release and each kind of bond, and says plainly which ones need a bondsman.
- By Champion Bail Bonding Solutions
- Plain language, not legal advice
- Updated September 16, 2026
Key takeaways
- What is a secured bond for jail? A dollar amount that must be guaranteed before release, by cash, property or a bondsman.
- An unsecured bond or written promise does not require money or a bondsman for release.
- Secured vs unsecured bond NC: the difference is whether something must be posted before the person walks out.
- Property bond NC options exist but take days and put your real estate at risk.
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Quick answer
In North Carolina, a secured bond is a dollar amount a judge or magistrate sets that must be guaranteed before release. You can satisfy it with cash, property, or a surety bond from a licensed bondsman. Unsecured bonds, written promises to appear, and custody release do not require any money or bondsman.
Conditions of release a magistrate or judge can set
Written promise to appear
The person signs a promise to come to court and is released. No money, no co-signer, no bondsman. Common for minor misdemeanors with no record.
Custody release
The person is released into the custody of a responsible adult or organization who agrees to make sure they appear. No money changes hands.
Unsecured bond (sometimes called a signature bond)
The court sets an amount, but nothing is posted. The person signs a promise to pay that amount if they miss court. Release is immediate. No bondsman is needed.
Secured bond
The court sets an amount that must be guaranteed before release. This is the bond families call a bondsman about. It can be satisfied with cash, property or a surety bond (below).
House arrest with electronic monitoring
Sometimes added to a secured bond for serious charges. The person is released to a home address and monitored.
Ways to satisfy a secured bond
Cash bond
The full amount is paid to the clerk of court. It is refunded at the end of the case, less court costs and fines, if every court date was kept. Most families cannot tie up that much money, which is why surety bonds exist.
Property bond
Real estate with enough unencumbered equity is pledged to the court, usually through a lien recorded against the property. Paperwork can take days. If the person misses court, the property is at risk.
Surety bond (bail bond)
A licensed bondsman, backed by an insurance company, guarantees the full amount to the court. The family pays a premium of up to 15 percent and signs as co-signer. Release usually follows within hours. This is what Champion provides.
Other bond terms you may hear
Appearance bond
Appeal bond
Transfer bond
A bond arranged with a bondsman in one place and posted by a licensed agent where the jail is.
Immigration bond
Bond forfeiture
Which ones need a bondsman?
|
Bond or condition
|
Bondsman needed?
|
|---|---|
|
Written promise to appear
|
No
|
|
Custody release
|
No
|
|
Unsecured (signature) bond
|
No
|
|
Secured bond, paid in cash
|
No, but full cash required
|
|
Secured bond, property
|
No, but takes days and risks the property
|
|
Secured bond, surety
|
Yes
|
|
Appeal bond
|
Usually yes
|
|
Transfer bond
|
Yes
|
Types of bonds: frequently asked questions
What is a secured bond for jail?
What is the difference between secured and unsecured bond in NC?
What is a signature bond?
Cash bond or bondsman: which is better?
Can a bondsman write an appeal bond?
In this guide
Have a bond amount and need it posted?
- Text works too. Payment plans on the premium.
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