Which rules govern bond forfeitures?

• A. The Texas Rules of Civil Procedure
• B. The Texas Rules of Evidence
• C. The Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure
• D. The Texas Penal Code

Answer: (A)

Bond forfeiture is a civil matter. When someone released on bond fails to appear, the court forfeits the bond and may enter a civil judgment to recover the amount of the bond from the defendant or the surety. The procedures for notices, deadlines, judgments, and collection related to forfeiture are governed by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. The other rule sets cover different domains: the Rules of Evidence regulate what can be admitted at trial, the Rules of Appellate Procedure govern appellate processes (including certain bond issues on appeal but not the general forfeiture process), and the Penal Code addresses criminal offenses and penalties rather than civil enforcement procedures. So the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure are the governing framework for bond forfeitures.