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.
A Washington Motion for Release on Personal Recognizance, also known as PR, is a legal document filed by a defendant or their attorney, requesting that the court release the accused individual from custody without having to pay bail or provide a surety bond. This motion is based on the defendant's promise to appear in court for all scheduled hearings and comply with any other conditions set by the court. In Washington, there are various types of Motions for Release on Personal Recognizance that can be filed based on the circumstances of the case. Some common types include: 1. Pretrial PR Motion: Typically filed before the defendant's trial or hearing, this motion requests the court to release the accused from custody until the case is resolved. To support the motion, the defendant's attorney may argue that the individual does not pose a flight risk, has strong community ties, or has no prior criminal history. 2. Post-Conviction PR Motion: In some cases, after a conviction, a defendant may file a motion requesting release on personal recognizance while awaiting sentencing or pursuing an appeal. The motion may argue that the defendant is not a danger to society, has a solid support system, and has shown good behavior since the conviction. 3. Bond Modification PR Motion: If a defendant has already been released on bail or bond but subsequently encounters financial difficulties or changes in personal circumstances, they may file a motion to modify their release conditions. For instance, the motion could request conversion from a surety bond to personal recognizance. 4. Probation Violation PR Motion: If a previously sentenced individual violates the conditions of their probation, they may file a motion for release on personal recognizance pending the resolution of the probation violation matter. The motion may argue that the violation was minor or unintentional and that the defendant is committed to complying with all future probationary requirements. In all of these motions, the defendant's attorney will need to persuasively argue the defendant's ties to the community, lack of prior criminal history, employment status, family support, and any other relevant factors to demonstrate that the defendant is not a flight risk or a danger to the community. However, it is important to note that the decision to grant a Motion for Release on Personal Recognizance lies solely with the judge, who will evaluate the specific circumstances of the case and potentially impose additional conditions upon release.
