Louisiana § RS 15:86.3 - City courts: unclaimed bail bonds; disposition; return to owner
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 15:86.3 — City courts: unclaimed bail bonds; disposition; return to owner, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 15:86.3. City courts: unclaimed bail bonds; disposition; return to owner
A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, any city court having in its control or possession cash bail bonds which have been discharged and which remain unclaimed for more than three years, after notice by certified mail, or which belong to an owner who is unknown or has not been heard from for more than three years, shall pay the same, in cases involving the violation of state law, to the treasurer of the governing authority of the parish in which the city court is located for deposit in the criminal court's fund of the parish, or in cases involving a violation of a city ordinance, to the treasurer or chief financial officer of the city for deposit in the general fund of the city, and in both instances thereafter the city court shall be relieved of all liability therefor.
B. If the cash bail bond involves the violation of a state law the treasurer of the governing authority of the parish in which the city court is located shall collect and receive this money and shall deposit it to the credit of the parish's criminal court's fund. If the cash bail bond involves the violation of a city ordinance, the treasurer or chief financial officer of the city shall collect and receive this money and shall deposit it to the credit of the general fund of the city.
C. Any owner who claims a cash bail bond which has been deposited in either a parish criminal court's fund or the general fund of a city pursuant to this Section shall be reimbursed from the general fund or the criminal court's fund involved, upon establishing his claim thereto by a judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction. Upon being presented with a certified copy of the judgment either the treasurer or chief financial officer, as the case may be, shall draw a warrant and pay out of the appropriate general fund the amount of the judgment without the necessity of an appropriation by the respective governing authority.
Acts 1995, No. 996, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 15:86.3
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 15:86.3 cover?
Section RS 15:86.3 ("City courts: unclaimed bail bonds; disposition; return to owner") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. 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 Louisiana § RS 15:86.3?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 15:86.3" (Louisiana). 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 Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 15:86.3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana 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 Louisiana.