release on one's own recognizance

release on one's own recognizance v. for a judge to allow a criminal defendant pre-trial freedom without posting bail, based on the past history of the defendant, roots in the community, regular employment, the recommendation of the prosecutor, the type of crime, and in total the likelihood of making all appearances in court and the improbability that the defendant will commit another crime while awaiting trial. Often called "O.R." or "R.O.R," it is granted routinely in traffic matters, minor and technical crimes, and to people with no criminal record who display stability. It is called to be "ORed" in courtroom slang. (See: O.R., bail)