What is the term for the money put up to secure the release of a person who has been charged with a crime?

The term you are looking for is bail. Bail refers specifically to the money or property that a person puts up to secure their release from custody while awaiting trial. This system allows individuals charged with a crime the opportunity to remain free until their court date, under the condition that they will return for those proceedings.

Bail is a key component of the criminal justice system, intended to balance the rights of the accused with the necessity of ensuring that they will appear in court as required. If the individual fails to appear at their scheduled court dates, they forfeit the bail amount, and a warrant may be issued for their arrest.

Bond, while closely related, typically refers to a specific type of bail where a third party guarantees the payment of the bail amount, usually through a bail bondsman. A fine relates to a monetary penalty imposed for an offense, while a penalty is a broader term that refers to any punishment imposed for a crime, which may include fines, imprisonment, or community service.