Terms Used In Wisconsin Statutes 781.04

  • Bail: Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed.
  • Habeas corpus: A writ that is usually used to bring a prisoner before the court to determine the legality of his imprisonment. It may also be used to bring a person in custody before the court to give testimony, or to be prosecuted.
   (1)    In an action or proceeding seeking the remedy available by habeas corpus, the court may admit the prisoner to bail in accordance with ch. 969.
   (2)   If the prisoner is detained upon any criminal accusation, no order for discharge may be made until sufficient notice of the time and place of the hearing on the application is given to the district attorney of the county in which the action or proceeding is pending.