Bail Bonds Bail Bond Forfeiture

Question 1

What triggers a bail bond forfeiture?

Accepted Answer

The defendant's failure to appear in court as required

Answer

The defendant's conviction at trial

Answer

The agent's failure to renew their license

Answer

The surety company's insolvency

Question 2

What is a 'Notice of Forfeiture'?

Accepted Answer

A court document notifying the surety that a bond has been forfeited due to non-appearance

Answer

A letter from the defendant explaining an absence

Answer

A premium invoice sent to the indemnitor

Answer

A renewal request from the bail agent

Question 3

What must typically happen for a forfeited bond to be 'set aside' or vacated?

Accepted Answer

The defendant must be returned to custody or a valid excuse for non-appearance must be provided

Answer

The agent must pay half the forfeited amount

Answer

The indemnitor must file for bankruptcy

Answer

The surety must surrender its license

Question 4

Which party ultimately pays the court if a forfeiture judgment is entered and the defendant is never returned?

Accepted Answer

The surety insurance company

Answer

The bail agent personally

Answer

The indemnitor exclusively

Answer

The defendant's attorney

Question 5

What is a 'forfeiture judgment' in bail bond law?

Accepted Answer

A final court order requiring the surety to pay the full bail amount

Answer

An order releasing the defendant from custody

Answer

A ruling that the premium must be refunded

Answer

A court finding that the agent acted negligently

Question 6

How can an agent avoid a forfeiture judgment after a defendant fails to appear?

Accepted Answer

By locating and surrendering the defendant within the state's allowed time period

Answer

By paying a 50% settlement to the court immediately

Answer

By canceling the original bond retroactively

Answer

By reporting the defendant to the FBI