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The distinction between a cash bond and a surety bond primarily lies in their financial structures. A cash bond requires the defendant or someone on their behalf to pay the full amount of the bail in cash directly to the court. This amount is held as collateral to ensure that the defendant returns for their court date. If the defendant complies, the money is typically refunded at the conclusion of the case, provided there are no additional fees or fines.

In contrast, a surety bond involves a third party—typically a bail bond company—that guarantees the full bail amount to the court in exchange for a non-refundable fee, which is usually a percentage of the total bail amount. This fee is the cost of securing the surety bond and does not get returned to the defendant. The bail bond company assumes the risk and is responsible for ensuring the defendant appears in court, thereby eliminating the need for the defendant to pay the full bail amount upfront.

This understanding clarifies why the option regarding the payment structure of a cash bond versus a surety bond is the correct choice. In essence, a cash bond necessitates a complete payment, while a surety bond is associated with a percentage fee that does not cover the entire bail amount.