Utah § 77-20-501 - Liability on a bail bond -- Failure to appear -- Notice to surety.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 77-20-501 — Liability on a bail bond -- Failure to appear -- Notice to surety., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 77-20-501. Liability on a bail bond -- Failure to appear -- Notice to surety.

Effective 11/16/2021
77-20-501.  Liability on a bail bond -- Failure to appear -- Notice to surety.
(1)
(a) Unless exonerated under Subsection 77-20-504(5), the principal and the surety on a bail bond are liable on the bail bond during all proceedings and for all court appearances required of the defendant up to and including the surrender of the defendant for sentencing, regardless of any contrary provision in the bail bond agreement.
(b) Any failure of the defendant to appear when required is a breach of the conditions of the bail bond and subjects the bail bond to forfeiture regardless of whether notice of the required appearance was given to the surety.
(2)
(a) If a defendant, who has posted monetary bail by a bail bond, fails to appear before the appropriate court as required, the court shall:
(i) within 28 days after the day on which the defendant fails to appear, issue a bench warrant that includes the original case number; and
(ii) direct the clerk of the court to notify the surety of the defendant's failure to appear.
(b) The clerk of the court shall:
(i) email notice of the defendant's failure to appear to the surety at the email address provided on the bond;
(ii) notify the surety as listed on the bail bond of the name, address, and telephone number of the prosecuting attorney;
(iii) email a copy of the notice sent under Subsection (2)(b)(i) to the prosecuting attorney's office at the same time notice is sent under Subsection (2)(b)(i); and
(iv) ensure that the name, address, business email address, and telephone number of the surety or the surety's agent as listed on the bail bond is stated on the bench warrant.
(3) The prosecuting attorney may email notice of the defendant's failure to appear to the address of the surety as listed on the bail bond within 35 days after the day on which the defendant fails to appear.
(4)
(a)
(i) If a defendant appears in court within seven days after a missed, scheduled court appearance, the court may reinstate the bail bond without further notice to the surety.
(ii) If the defendant, while in custody, appears on the case for which the bail bond was posted, the court may not reinstate the bail bond without the consent of the bail bond company.
(b) If a defendant fails to appear within seven days after a scheduled court appearance, the court may not reinstate the bail bond without the consent of the surety.


Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 4, 2021 Special Session 2

Source: official Utah text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 77-20-501

What does Utah Code § 77-20-501 cover?

Section 77-20-501 ("Liability on a bail bond -- Failure to appear -- Notice to surety.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. 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 Utah § 77-20-501?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 77-20-501" (Utah). 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 Utah law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.

How does Utah § 77-20-501 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah 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 Utah.