If a defendant fails to appear for a scheduled court appearance, the clerk of court shall notify the bail bond agent. If the bail bond agent returns the defendant to the jurisdiction of the court, the bail bond agent may petition the court for a return of the forfeiture. If the bail bond agent returns the defendant to the jurisdiction of the court within six months of receiving notice of the failure to appear, the court shall return at least fifty percent of the forfeiture upon petition by the bail bond agent. If the bail bond agent returns the defendant to the jurisdiction of the court beyond six months of receiving notice of the failure to appear, the court may return the forfeiture upon receipt of a petition from the bail bond agent, less five percent for court costs.

Terms Used In North Dakota Code 26.1-26.6-09

  • 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.
  • Clerk of court: An officer appointed by the court to work with the chief judge in overseeing the court's administration, especially to assist in managing the flow of cases through the court and to maintain court records.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.