Which statement about appeal bonds is true?

• A. They must always be exactly double the amount of the fine.
• B. They may be more than two times the fine and costs, but cannot be less than $50.
• C. They may be less than the fine and costs if the defendant is indigent.
• D. They are optional for all appeals.

Answer: (B)

Appeal bonds are a security required to stay the enforcement of a judgment while an appeal is heard, ensuring payment of the fine and costs if the appeal doesn’t prevail. The statement that is true reflects flexibility in the amount: the bond may be more than two times the fine and costs, but there is a minimum floor of at least $50. This captures two essential ideas: courts can set a higher bond depending on the case’s circumstances, and they establish a lower limit so the bond isn’t nominal. It isn’t correct to say the bond must always be exactly double, nor that it can be reduced simply because a defendant is indigent, and appeal bonds are typically required to move forward with an appeal rather than being optional.