What is forfeiture in Ohio bail bonds?

• A. Temporary hold on bond funds.
• B. Transfer of bond liability to defendant.
• C. Court-ordered cancellation of the bond because the defendant failed to appear.
• D. Release of the surety when defendant complies.

Answer: (C)

Forfeiture means the court cancels the bail bond because the defendant did not appear as required. When this happens, the bond is breached and the surety becomes liable to pay the full bond amount to the court. It’s not about a temporary hold on funds, nor a transfer of liability to the defendant, nor a release of the surety for compliance. The key idea is that the failure to appear triggers the court-ordered cancellation of the bond and the surety’s obligation for the bond amount.