The Rhode Island Affidavit for Bail is a legal document used to affirm and guarantee a defendant’s appearance in court. It is typically used when a defendant has been arrested and is unable to make bail. The affidavit is signed by an individual, usually a family member or close friend of the defendant, who is known as the obliged, and promises to pay a set amount of money if the defendant fails to appear in court. There are two types of Rhode Island Affidavit for Bail: the Limited Bail Affidavit and the Surety Bail Affidavit. The Limited Bail Affidavit is a simple agreement between the obliged and the court that the obliged will pay a certain amount if the defendant fails to appear in court. The Surety Bail Affidavit is a more complex agreement that requires the obliged to secure a third party, the surety, who will then be responsible for any bail payment in the event of the defendant’s failure to appear in court.