When a defendant appears in court, which action exonerates an undertaking bond?

• A. A plea of guilt or nolo contendere, is sentenced or a differed sentence is granted.
• B. The charges are dismissed.
• C. The bondsman posts another bond.
• D. A warrant is issued.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that a bail bond ends when the case is resolved and the court releases the bondsman from liability. When the defendant pleads guilty or nolo contendere and is sentenced, or when a deferred sentence is granted, the case reaches a disposition that fulfills the court’s authority and terminates the need for the bond. At that point, the bondsman is exonerated because the obligation to ensure appearance and comply with the sentence has been satisfied or replaced by the court’s final order. Other actions, such as the charges being dismissed, someone posting another bond, or a warrant being issued, do not automatically exonerate the original undertaking in this context.