What must precede clerk service by certified mail or publication in bond forfeiture proceedings?

• A. The judge's order
• B. A court hearing
• C. The prosecutor's request to the clerk
• D. The defendant's consent

Answer: (C)

In bond forfeiture proceedings, notice to the defendant by certified mail or publication is started only after the prosecutor directs the clerk to take that action. The clerk’s role is to carry out the state’s instruction, so the prosecutor’s request to the clerk must come first. This ensures the notice is issued under proper authority and aligns with the prosecution’s responsibility to initiate service to safeguard the defendant’s due process rights. A judge’s order, a court hearing, or the defendant’s consent aren’t required to begin this service.