Judge orders remand without bond after defendant fails to appear; state sought bond forfeiture

The court granted the state’s request to forfeit bond and remand defendants who failed to answer the docket, telling defense counsel that if a defendant later appears the court may reconsider the remand.

At several calls on the docket the judge announced that scheduled defendants had not made an appearance. In one instance the court called Jason Martinez and the state requested a bond forfeiture because Martinez failed to answer. The judge granted the request and ordered remand without bond, telling counsel the court would reconsider should the defendant later appear in person.

“That will be granted; your client will be remanded without bond. If your client makes an appearance, the court will reconsider,” the prosecutor said on the record when requesting action; the judge adopted that approach on the docket call.

Why it matters: Failing to appear on a scheduled docket can trigger a bond forfeiture and remand. The court emphasized that once a defendant is ordered to appear and does not, deputies may be instructed to bring the defendant into custody, and the court warned defendants and attorneys to heed appearance orders to avoid warrants.

Context and next steps: The court directed deputies to make announcements and gave a short grace period on some matters, but where counsel confirmed no contact with their clients the state’s request for forfeiture and remand was granted. The court recorded that it would reconsider remand if the defendant subsequently appears and the defense can show cause.