Exoneration means the court releases the bond, usually when the case ends. Forfeiture is what a court orders when the defendant misses court. Under Penal Code section 1305, a forfeiture can generally be set aside if the defendant returns within 180 days, with five more days when notice is mailed.
- Exoneration ends the bond and frees up collateral
- Forfeiture starts a clock, generally 180 days
- Returning to court in time usually sets the forfeiture aside
- Call your bail agent the same day a date is missed
Exoneration
A bond is The court releases the bail bond, usually when the case ends. After exoneration and full payment, collateral can be returned. when the court no longer needs it. That usually happens when the case is dismissed, the defendant is sentenced, or the court otherwise releases the bond. After exoneration and full payment of the premium, collateral is returned.
Forfeiture
If the defendant misses a required court date without a good reason, the judge can declare the bail What the court orders when the defendant misses a required court date. The full bond can come due unless the person returns in time. and issue a warrant. When the forfeiture is over a certain amount, the court mails a notice to the surety and the bail agent.
Penal Code section 1305 then gives a period, generally 180 days from the forfeiture or from the mailing of the notice plus five days for mailing, to bring the defendant back. If the defendant appears in court or is returned to custody in that window, the court is to vacate the forfeiture and exonerate the bond. The surety can ask for one extension under section 1305.4.
If the period runs out
If the defendant is not back in time and no extension is granted, the court can enter summary judgment against the surety for the bond amount. The surety then looks to the indemnity agreement and any Property pledged to secure a bail bond, such as a vehicle, real estate equity or cash.. This is why cosigners are asked to call the moment a date is missed.
Reinstatement
When a defendant comes back quickly, the judge may set aside the forfeiture and reinstate the bond so the person stays out. Whether that happens is up to the judge. Showing up voluntarily with the attorney and the bail agent's support makes the strongest case.
If a date was just missed
- Call your bail agent. For Jane Un Bail Bonds that is (800) 351-8911, any hour.
- Call the defense attorney and ask about getting back on calendar.
- Do not wait for a warrant arrest. Coming back on your own looks very different to a judge.
Questions
What does exonerated bail mean?
It means the court released the bail bond. The bond is no longer in force, and once the premium is paid in full any collateral can be returned.
How long does a surety have after a forfeiture?
Generally 180 days under Penal Code section 1305, plus five days when the notice of forfeiture is mailed. An extension can be requested under section 1305.4.
Need help tonight? Call or text (800) 351-8911, 24 hours a day.
Sources
- California Penal Code section 1305, forfeiture and exoneration
- California Penal Code section 1305.4, extending the forfeiture period
- California Department of Insurance, Bail Bonds
Sources checked October 27, 2026.
Keep reading
- What a Bail Bond Cosigner Agrees ToSigning for someone you love is a real financial promise. Here is what it covers and how to sign with your eyes open.→
- Bail Bond Collateral in CaliforniaWhat collateral is, when an agent asks for it, and the two things that must happen before you get it back.→
- What Happens After Release on BailThe first night home is a relief. These are the things to handle in the first week so the case stays on track.→