AR HB1245

District courts must issue a warrant for arrest and promptly enter it with the Arkansas Crime Information Center when a defendant fails to appear, and order the surety to appear within 120 days of certified mail notice to show cause why the bail bond should not be forfeited.

The 120-day period for defendant surrender or apprehension begins from the date certified mail notice is sent to the surety company, regardless of whether the surety actually receives it.

A bail bond judgment or forfeiture may not be entered if the defendant is apprehended, surrendered, or arrested within 120 days of notice to the surety, except as provided in the statute.

After 120 days from notice, the bail bond or deposited money may be forfeited without further notice or hearing if the defendant has not been apprehended or surrendered.

District courts may take into consideration and allow credit for expenses the surety incurs in attempting to locate the defendant, if submitted by the 120th day after notice.

District courts may suspend a bail bond company's or agent's ability to issue bail bonds if they fail to comply with court orders or fail to pay forfeited bonds.