Also known as:OR · O. R. · Official Reports · Own Recognizance
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A form of pretrial release in which a defendant is freed from custody without posting bail upon promising to appear in court as required.
Sources & Authorities· 40 primary sources
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Cases
Statutes
How it applies
Common Examples
6
Release After Negligent Driving Charge
After a fatal car accident caused by reckless speeding, the prosecutor agreed that Opal Okoro posed no flight risk. The court released her on O.R. with a requirement to check in weekly with pretrial services. Opal appeared at every hearing without incident.
Buyer Released Pending Title Cure
Olivia Owens contracted to buy land but discovered an unreleased lien clouding title. While the seller attempted to clear the defect before closing, the court handling related disputes released Olivia on O.R. from a contempt citation arising from the stalled transaction.
Elector Challenge Resolved Without Detention
Orson Ochoa faced a minor charge tied to an election dispute over state-appointed electors. The magistrate found no risk of nonappearance and released him on O.R. pending resolution of the constitutional question.
Put it into practice
Test Yourself
10
Practice Questions5
Federal Rules
Uniform Acts
Model Codes
Common Law
Defendant Waives Service and Stays Free
Odilia Okamura received notice of a civil suit and promptly returned the waiver form to avoid service costs. The court treated her cooperation as grounds to keep her on O.R. status from an earlier related arrest.
Fact Judicially Noticed Supports Release
Onyx O'Reilly was charged with a minor offense. The court took judicial notice of a generally known local holiday schedule showing no court sessions that week and released him on O.R. to appear after the break.
Voluntary Act Requirement Met for Release
Oskar Ocampo was arrested after an involuntary reflex caused a minor injury. Because the conduct lacked the required voluntary act, the court released him on O.R. and dismissed the charge at the first appearance.
Common questions
Frequently Asked
3
What does O.R. stand for in criminal procedure?+
O.R. stands for own recognizance. It refers to a pretrial release in which the defendant promises to appear without posting bail or other security.
Supporting sources
When will a court typically grant release on O.R.?+
Courts grant O.R. release when the defendant poses little risk of flight and the offense is not serious enough to require bail or detention.
Supporting sources
Does release on O.R. require any conditions?+
Release on O.R. may include reporting requirements or other conditions, but the core feature is the absence of a financial bond.
Supporting sources
TortsNuisance and defenses to such claims · Private nuisanceNEXTGENFoundational