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TCA 40-11-204

Relief on forfeited recognizances

MISDEMEANORMisdemeanor

What does this charge mean?

A judge in any Tennessee court can decide to reduce or cancel a forfeited bail bond if someone asks for relief and proves it is fair and just to do so. The judge must keep at least 5% of the forfeited amount (up to a $1,000 minimum) as a clerk's fee, but can return the rest if circumstances warrant it.

Penalty Details

ClassificationMisdemeanor
Penalty SummaryMisdemeanor
(a) Ask a legal question, get an answer ASAP!(1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories of the United States. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105(1) Except as provided in subsection (b), the judges of the general sessions, circuit, criminal and supreme courts may receive, hear and determine the petition of any person who claims relief is merited on any recognizances forfeited, and so lessen or absolutely remit the same, less a clerk’s commission of five percent (5%) of the original paid final forfeiture or one thousand dollars ($1,000), whichever is less, and do all and everything therein as they shall deem just and right, and consistent with the welfare of the state, as well as the person praying for relief. This power shall extend to the relief of those against whom final judgment has been entered whether or not the judgment has been paid, as well as to the relief of those against whom proceedings are in progress. (2) Cities, which have adopted home rule, may elect to authorize their city court judges to lessen or remit forfeitures in accordance with this section if those judges have jurisdiction to hear state misdemeanor cases. (b) In counties having a population of more than seven hundred thousand (700,000), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census, the clerk’s commission authorized by this section shall be ten percent (10%) of the forfeiture or one thousand dollars ($1,000), whichever is less.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

MISDEMEANOR
TCA Section40-11-204