What is defined as a written undertaking for the appearance of a defendant before a court to answer a criminal accusation?

A written undertaking for the appearance of a defendant before a court to answer a criminal accusation is referred to as a bail bond. A bail bond serves as a contractual agreement whereby a bail bondsman or a third party agrees to pay a certain sum of money to the court if the defendant fails to appear for their scheduled court dates. This ensures that the defendant has a financial incentive to return to court, as the bond amount can be forfeited if they do not comply with court appearances. The concept behind bail is that it protects the rights of the accused while also ensuring that the judicial process can proceed without unnecessary delays caused by a defendant's absence.

In contrast, a probation agreement is related to the conditions imposed on a person after they've been convicted of a crime, while pretrial release refers to the process of releasing a defendant from custody prior to their trial but does not pertain specifically to the written undertaking aspect. A sentencing agreement is an arrangement regarding the consequences of a conviction, which is unrelated to the notion of ensuring a defendant's appearance in court.