Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 46. CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

CHAPTER 9. BAIL

Part 5. Conditions of Bail -- Violation Thereof

Forfeiture Procedure

46-9-511. Forfeiture procedure. (1) When an order of forfeiture is not discharged, the court having jurisdiction shall proceed with the forfeiture of bail as follows:

(a) if money has been posted as bail in a misdemeanor case, as defined in 45-2-101, the court shall pay the money to the treasury of the city or county where the money was posted;

(b) if money has been posted as bail in a felony case, as defined in 45-2-101, the court shall pay the money to the department of revenue for deposit in the state general fund; or

(c) if other property is posted as a condition of release, the property must be sold in the same manner as property sold in civil actions. The proceeds of the sale must be used to satisfy all court costs and prior encumbrances, if any, and from the balance, a sufficient sum to satisfy the judgment or forfeiture must be paid as provided under subsection (1)(a) in a misdemeanor case or under subsection (1)(b) in a felony case.

(2) If a surety bond has been posted as bail, execution may be issued against the sureties or the surety company in the same manner as executions in civil actions.

History: En. Sec. 85, Ch. 800, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 35, L. 2005.