bond forfeiture

In one sentence

Loss of bail money when a defendant fails to appear in court as required.

Plain English

When someone is arrested and released on bail (money paid to guarantee they'll return to court), they forfeit that money if they don't show up for their trial or hearing. The court keeps the bail as a penalty for breaking the agreement. This is how the system encourages defendants to appear as promised.

Ad slot

Example

Maria posts $5,000 bail to be released from jail while awaiting trial. She fails to appear at her scheduled court date without a valid excuse. The court declares her bail forfeited, meaning she loses the $5,000 and a warrant is issued for her arrest.

Used in a sentence

“The defendant faced bond forfeiture after missing three consecutive court appearances.”

Related terms

confinement

The act of keeping someone in custody or restricting their freedom of movement.

acquittal

A court decision that a defendant is not guilty of the charges.

appeal

A request to a higher court to review and overturn a lower court's decision.

Statute of Limitations

A law setting the maximum time period within which a lawsuit can be filed after an injury or breach occurs.

continuance

A court-approved delay or postponement of a scheduled hearing, trial, or other legal proceeding.

Expungement

A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.

Stand Your Ground

A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.

Castle Doctrine

A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.