To be released on cash bail, an individual must post with the court the total amount of the bail, in cash, to secure his or her return to court on an appointed date, and thereafter until the case is concluded.

In some cases an individual may obtain release from custody by means of posting a property bond with the court. Usually, the defendant or his/her immediate family will use the equity in their residence(s) to secure the release from jail.

The bail process involves a contractual undertaking guaranteed by an admitted insurance company having adequate assets to satisfy the face value of the bonds issued.