O.R. Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of O.R., written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is O.R.?

n. Abbreviation for “own recognizance.”

Refers to a judge enabling someone accused in a criminal case to be freed until trial without having to post bail. The person released is referred to as “OR-ed.”

During a trial a judge can release the accused from custody without asking for any knid of security in the form of bail.This decision is taken on the basis of criminal’s past records, intensity of the crime,finanacial condition etc.

History and Meaning of O.R.

O.R. is an abbreviation for "own recognizance," which describes a legal procedure in which a judge allows a defendant to be released from custody pretrial without any requirement for posting bail. The decision to allow O.R. release is based on factors like the accused's past criminal record, nature of the alleged offense, and financial situation. If an individual is released on their own recognizance, they do not need to pay any bail amount, but they are required to return to court for trial as scheduled.

Examples of O.R.

  1. The judge allowed the accused to be released on O.R. until the trial.
  2. The defendant, due to his past record and nature of the crime, was not eligible for O.R. release.
  3. The bail hearing was waived, and the defendant was released on O.R.
  4. The accused had to surrender his passport and remain within the state, despite his release on O.R.

Legal Terms Similar to O.R.

  1. Bail: The amount of money or property that a defendant must pay to be released from pretrial detention.
  2. Recognizance: The obligation of a person to fulfill specific legal requirements or restrictions, usually before a court.
  3. Surety Bond: A contract between three parties - the accused, the bonding company, and the court - that ensures the accused will appear for trial.
  4. Bond Revocation: The court's decision to revoke the bail and detain the accused based on their failure to fulfill the requirements of release.