O.R. stands for the release of a criminal defendant from jail on their “own recognizance” without bail and based solely on their promise to appear for all further court proceedings
In our criminal justice system, when a criminal defendant is released from jail on their “Own Recognizance” (O.R.), it is usually because the probation department has made this recommendation to the court,
Being released on O.R. is very common in cases involving first-time drunk driving (DUI) charges without injuries.
The defendant’s promise to return to court on a definite date, time, and place for further proceedings is based solely on the defendant’s promise. Failure to appear as promised will almost always result in a bench warrant for the defendant’s arrest.
Released from custody on the defendant’s own recognizance is very common in misdemeanor cases or even low-level felonies if the defendant did not cause physical harm to another and has no prior criminal record.
