BOND FORFEITURE Unit

The Bond Forfeiture Unit helps make sure that people charged with crimes show up to their court hearings. If a person doesn't show up, the Unit works to enforce the rules about bail bonds, which are the money or promises made to guarantee a defendant’s appearance in court.

The County Attorney's Office takes care of forfeiting bonds in both County and District Courts in El Paso. When someone doesn't appear for their hearing, the Unit works to collect the forfeited bond money.

Here’s what the Bond Forfeiture Unit does:

• Filing forfeiture cases: If a defendant misses their court date, the Unit makes sure to file for bond forfeiture as soon as possible.
• Getting a final judgment: The Unit works to get a court order to officially forfeit the bond.
• Collecting the money: After a bond is forfeited, the Unit takes steps to collect the money, which may include actions like seizing property.

All the money that is collected goes into the County’s general fund, which helps pay for local government services.

If a bond is forfeited, the defendant will face two things:

1. A warrant for their arrest.
2. A lawsuit to recover the forfeited bond money.

The defendant and the person who put up the bond (called the “surety”) will both receive a notice, asking them to pay the forfeited bond.

For more information, you can call the Bond Forfeiture Unit at (915) 273-3249.

To find out about outstanding criminal warrants with the El Paso Sheriff’s Office, please call (915) 273-3762 (option 1)