What happens to a surety bond once a case is disposed of?

Once a case is disposed of, a surety bond is discharged. This means that the obligations tied to the bond are fulfilled, and the surety is no longer responsible for the defendant's appearance in court. The discharge occurs after the court has concluded its proceedings and rendered a judgment in the case, which releases the bond’s liability.

This process ensures that the surety is no longer financially responsible for the defendant once the legal case is resolved, allowing the surety to reclaim any collateral that may have been put up when the bond was secured. Discharging the bond also helps to clear the legal obligations surrounding the case and provides closure to the issue for all parties involved.

In contrast, other choices suggest misconceptions about what occurs to a surety bond after a case ends. For instance, a bond does not automatically renew or transfer to the defendant, nor does it remain active indefinitely, as those scenarios would imply ongoing responsibility for the surety or an ongoing legal liability that is not applicable once the matter has been resolved.