For a defendant who pleads guilty by mail, the deadline to file an appeal bond is counted from which event?

• A. The date judgment is entered
• B. The date the defendant receives notice of the amount of the appeal bond
• C. The date the appeal is filed with the clerk
• D. The date the defendant starts the case

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that the appeal bond deadline starts when the defendant actually knows the amount that must be posted. When someone pleads guilty by mail, the court will determine and communicate the exact bond amount that guarantees the appeal. Only after this amount is known can the clock begin for posting the bond. If the clock started earlier—such as when judgment is entered, or when the appeal is filed, or when the case begins—it would be unclear what amount to post or could force an appeal to proceed with incomplete information. Therefore, counting from the date the defendant receives notice of the bond amount ensures the defendant has a fair and definite deadline to secure the appeal.