In Illinois, a personal recognizance bond allows a person to be released from jail without having to post bond because they do not pose a threat to the community. An individual is required to appear in subsequent court proceedings, according to CNN.

On March 10, Smollett was sentenced to 150 days in jail for falsifying reports to Chicago police, alleging he was the victim of a hate crime in 2019. 

The court ordered Smollett to pay restitution of more than $120,000 and a $25,000 fine.

The Empire actor’s attorneys mentioned that Smollett’s sentence would be completed by the time the appeals process was finished, according to Fox News. His attorneys also cited that Smollett was in danger in the County Cook jail.

“Mr. Smollett has become the target of vicious threats in the social media forums which no doubt reflects the hatred and wish for physical harm towards Smollett which he may experience during incarceration,” the court filing read, according to Fox News.

“Mr. Smollett anticipates he will most likely be assigned to segregated incarceration or protective custody, both euphemisms for solitary confinement; a situation which could have extraordinary damage on his mental health,” the filing continued. “As a result, any custodial setting poses a safety and health danger to the life of Mr. Smollett.”

Following Smollett’s release, defense attorney Nenye Uche spoke at a news conference, saying, “There is no room for politics in our court system.” 

“Regardless of what you think about this case … the real question is, should Black men be walked into jail for a Class 4 felony?” Uche said, CNN reports.

Smollett maintained his innocence when Cook County Judge James Linn handed down his verdict. 

“Your honor, I respect you, and I respect the jury, but I did not do this,” Smollett said during his sentencing hearing, CBS News reports.

“And I am not suicidal, and if anything happens to me when I go in there, I did not do it to myself, and you must all know that,” he added.