When a defendant fails to appear after having posted a bond, what must the court do?

• A. Return the bond to the defendant
• B. Dissolve the bond and dismiss the case
• C. Immediately issue a bench warrant
• D. Order the defendant's name called outside the courtroom

Answer: (D)

The situation tests how courts respond when someone who posted bond fails to appear. The essential step is to locate the defendant and compel their appearance. A practical, direct action is to have the courtroom staff call the defendant’s name outside the courtroom. This immediately signals that the person who posted bail is not present for the required proceeding and gives a chance to bring them back in or address their absence right away. If the defendant is found, the proceeding can move forward; if not, the court will pursue further remedies as required by policy, such as notifying authorities or considering a bench warrant. Returning the bond, dissolving it and dismissing the case, or immediately issuing a bench warrant are actions that may follow, but the first priority when someone misses a court date after posting bond is to locate them by calling their name outside the courtroom.