When a judge grants bail, there are usually conditions. There can be a type of personal bond, which is also called being released on a person's own recognizance. This is like the defendant offering a personal guarantee that they'll re-appear before the judge when asked, with additional criminal charges if they don't. And then there's bail, which is like a financial guarantee. If you have a family member or friend who needs bail and can't afford it (and you or nobody else is able to help), is it worthwhile talking to a bail bondsman for them?