In legal terms, who would be considered the principal in a criminal surety bond?

In the context of a criminal surety bond, the principal is the individual whose appearance in court is being guaranteed by the bond. This individual is typically the accused person, who has been charged with a crime and requires bail to be released from custody while awaiting trial. The bond serves as a financial guarantee that the accused will return to court for their hearings.

The bail agent, while instrumental in facilitating the bond and providing the necessary financial backing, does not stand as the principal because they are acting on behalf of the accused. Similarly, the attorney and the judge play supportive roles in the legal process but do not share the status of the principal in regard to the bond itself. The principal's obligation is to comply with the court’s requirements, making the accused the focal point in this type of surety bond arrangement.