Which bond allows a defendant to remain free during the stay of a legal proceeding?

The correct choice, a supersedeas bond, serves a specific purpose in the legal process. This type of bond is typically utilized when a party wants to appeal a court decision and seeks to maintain the status quo while the appeal is pending. It allows the defendant to remain free and not serve their sentence or comply with a judgment immediately, thereby staying the execution of that judgment until the appeal is resolved.

When appealing a case, the supersedeas bond provides a financial guarantee that the appellant (the party appealing) will be responsible for satisfying the judgment if the appeal fails. This ensures that the interests of the opposing party are protected while the legal proceedings continue.

In contrast, other bonds mentioned do not serve the function of allowing a defendant to remain free during ongoing legal proceedings. A sentencing bond generally comes into play after a conviction where the defendant is awaiting sentencing, while a surrender bond is used when an individual is voluntarily surrendering to law enforcement. A surety bond is a broader category that guarantees the performance of obligations but does not specifically address staying the execution of legal judgments or allowing a defendant to remain free during an appeal.