What is the difference between a surety bond and a cash bond?

A surety bond is a legal promise that is guaranteed by a surety company or an agent to pay the court a specified amount if the defendant fails to appear or comply with the terms of their bail agreement. This means that the surety bond acts as a guarantee that the bail amount will be paid, and the defendant or co-signer typically pays a premium to the surety company, which is a percentage of the total bail amount. The surety company then takes on the responsibility of the bond, allowing the defendant to be released from jail without the need to pay the full bail amount upfront.

In contrast, a cash bond requires the full bail amount to be paid in cash upfront to the court. This means that the defendant's release from jail is secured directly by the cash payment made to the court, with no involvement of a third party or surety agent.

Therefore, option B accurately highlights that a surety bond is guaranteed by an agent (the surety company), while a cash bond requires the full payment to be made upfront, marking a clear distinction between the two types of bonds. This differentiation is critical for understanding how bail works and the responsibilities associated with each type of bond.