When is a defendant's appeal completed?

• A. When the notice of appeal is filed
• B. When the clerk files the transcript with the appellate court
• C. When the appeal bond is presented in time
• D. When the judge signs the order of appeal

Answer: (C)

Understanding when an appeal is completed hinges on perfection: the appeal is not finished simply by filing a notice of appeal or by having transcripts prepared. What completes the appeal is timely presenting the appeal bond or other allowed security to stay the judgment and proceed with the appellate review. The bond protects the other party against the risk that costs or damages won’t be paid if the appeal fails, and it gives the appellate court jurisdiction to review the decision. While filing the notice, arranging the record, and the judge signing related orders are necessary steps, they don’t by themselves finalize the appeal. The timely presentation of the bond is what completes the process and moves the appeal forward.