Bonds and Appearance in Court

It is the responsibility of all defendants to appear in court on the days set for the various matters pertaining to a felony case in this Court. When a defendant has made bond, either through personal recognizance, cash or surety, it remains the defendant’s responsibility to be in court on the dates set and to make adequate inquiry of all future setting dates on his or her case.

It is the responsibility of bonding agencies and sureties to make certain that the Court and District Clerk have current and adequate mailing addresses for their clients on leaving the jail on bond. The first Notice of Arraignment will be mailed to the defendant and the bonding agency at the addresses provided on the bond form, or on the Reset Form provided at magistration. In the event the letter is returned for any reason, it is the responsibility of the bonding agency or surety to have the client appear in court at the time and place stated in the notice. Therefore, it is important that bonding agencies maintain contact with defendant clients.

In the event the defendant fails to appear as directed, the Court will entertain a motion from the State for forfeiture of the bond. Therefore, it is incumbent on the bonding agency to maintain accurate records and sufficient contact on bond clients to assure their timely attendance in court.

This information is provided as a courtesy and is not to be construed as policy or a local rule of the Court. The Court reserves the right to issue such orders and instructions that may result in the effective and efficient management of all criminal cases.