Colorado § 20-1-103 - Collect forfeited recognizances.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 20-1-103 — Collect forfeited recognizances., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20-1-103. Collect forfeited recognizances.
It is the exclusive duty of the district attorney to provide for the collection of forfeited recognizances and turn the money so collected into the registry of the court declaring the forfeiture. In fulfilling such duty, the district attorney may contract with any person or entity and provide for payment of any fees and costs for the services of such person or entity out of such moneys collected.
Source: L. 1891: p. 135, § 1. R.S. 08, § 2097. C.L. § 5976. CSA: C. 55, § 3. CRS 53: § 45-1-3. C.R.S. 1963: § 45-1-3. L. 73: p. 1403, § 34. L. 98: Entire section amended, p. 962, § 5, effective May 27.
Cross references: For procedure in disposition of security deposits upon forfeiture or termination of bond and enforcement when forfeiture not set aside, see §§ 16-4-111 and 16-4-112.
ANNOTATION
Proper time for forfeiture of bond of a nonappearing defendant is on the day and hour specified in the bond for appearance. The district attorney should be present in court representing the people in the prosecution of defendant at the appointed time and, in the event of his failure to appear, should be in readiness to perform his statutory duties in connection with the forfeiture of defendant's bond. People v. Johnson, 155 Colo. 392, 395 P.2d 19 (1964).
Penal sum of breached bond should be reduced to judgment. After an order has been entered declaring a bond forfeited, whether in the nature of a declaration of default or an interlocutory decree, the claim in debt arising out of breach of the bond should be reduced to a judgment in behalf of the people and against the persons answerable for the amount of the penal sum specified in the bond. People v. Johnson, 155 Colo. 392, 395 P.2d 19 (1964).
The bonding agency, no matter how he is described or characterized, is not a bondsman in this case; he is not a party to this litigation; he is not accountable for defendant's appearance or nonappearance. Not being obligated, he is not in default; he owes no money, and no valid judgment could be entered against him. People v. Johnson, 155 Colo. 392, 395 P.2d 19 (1964).
Applied in People ex rel. Losavio v. Gentry, 199 Colo. 153, 606 P.2d 57 (1980).
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 20-1-103
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 20-1-103 cover?
Section 20-1-103 ("Collect forfeited recognizances.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 20-1-103?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 20-1-103" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 20-1-103 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.