What occurs during a bail forfeiture?

When a bail forfeiture occurs, it specifically refers to the situation where the court keeps the bond amount because the defendant has failed to appear for their scheduled court date. This means that if a defendant does not show up, the bond that was posted on their behalf is forfeited, and the full amount becomes a financial loss to the individual or entity that posted the bail, often a bail bondsman or the defendant themselves. This process serves as an incentive for defendants to appear in court, as forfeiture of the bail amount elevates the stakes of missing a court appearance.

The other options do not accurately describe the scenario of bail forfeiture. For example, while a defendant may eventually face imprisonment due to additional legal consequences for missing court, this is not the immediate result of a forfeiture. Additionally, fees charged to a bail bondsman or a court processing fee do not directly align with the core concept of what occurs during a bail forfeiture. These aspects are separate administrative procedures and financial transactions that do not capture the essence of forfeiture itself, which is focused on the loss of the bail amount due to noncompliance with court attendance requirements.