Free Alabama Cr 20 PDF Template Fill Out This Document Now

Free Alabama Cr 20 PDF Template

The Alabama CR 20 form is an official document used within the state’s judicial system, specifically designed for bondsmen. It allows a surety to surrender a defendant to the custody of law enforcement when certain conditions are met, such as a failure to appear in court. Understanding this form is essential for those involved in the bail process in Alabama.

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Outline

The Alabama Cr 20 form serves as a crucial legal document within the state's judicial system, specifically designed for use by bondsmen in cases involving bail. This form facilitates the process of surrendering a defendant back into custody when certain conditions are met, such as the defendant's failure to appear in court. It outlines the responsibilities of the surety, or bondsman, who is authorized to arrest the defendant at any location within Alabama. The form includes sections for identifying the case, the defendant, and the surety, ensuring that all necessary information is captured clearly. Additionally, it provides instructions for the bondsman or their designated agent regarding the procedures to follow after the arrest, including the requirement to return the process to the court clerk within a specified timeframe. The form also emphasizes the legal obligations surrounding the arrest process, highlighting the importance of compliance with the law to avoid illegal arrests. Through this structured approach, the Alabama Cr 20 form aims to maintain the integrity of the judicial process while providing a clear pathway for bondsmen to fulfill their duties effectively.

Documents used along the form

The Alabama CR-20 form is a crucial document in the bail process, allowing a bondsman to surrender a defendant to law enforcement. Several other forms and documents often accompany the CR-20, each serving a specific purpose in legal proceedings. Below is a list of these documents, along with brief descriptions of their functions.

  • Bail Bond Agreement: This document outlines the terms of the bail arrangement between the defendant and the bondsman, detailing the amount of bail and the obligations of both parties.
  • Surety Agreement: A contract that establishes the surety's responsibility to pay the court if the defendant fails to appear. It includes terms and conditions for the surety's involvement.
  • Notice of Appearance: This form is filed by the attorney representing the defendant, indicating their intention to appear in court on behalf of the defendant.
  • Warrant for Arrest: Issued by the court when a defendant fails to appear, this document authorizes law enforcement to apprehend the defendant.
  • Affidavit of Surety: A sworn statement by the surety confirming their financial ability to cover the bail amount, ensuring the court of their commitment.
  • Release Order: A document issued by the court to release a defendant from custody once bail has been posted or the charges have been resolved.
  • Defendant's Information Sheet: This form collects essential details about the defendant, including personal information and contact details, to assist in the legal process.
  • Jail Release Form: This document is used by the jail to confirm that the defendant has been released and to provide necessary details regarding the release.
  • Bond Forfeiture Notice: Issued by the court if a defendant fails to appear, this document notifies the surety of the potential forfeiture of the bail amount.
  • ATV Bill of Sale: A legal document used to record the sale or transfer of an all-terrain vehicle in New York, serving as proof of ownership and essential for a smooth transaction. For more information, visit https://nydocuments.com/atv-bill-of-sale-form/.
  • Court Appearance Notification: A reminder sent to the defendant about upcoming court dates, ensuring they are aware of their obligations to appear.

These documents collectively facilitate the bail process and ensure compliance with legal requirements. Understanding each form's role can help all parties navigate the legal landscape effectively.

Steps to Filling Out Alabama Cr 20

Filling out the Alabama CR 20 form requires careful attention to detail. This form is essential for a bondsman who wishes to surrender a defendant to law enforcement. After completing the form, it will be submitted to the appropriate court, and the bondsman must ensure that all necessary information is accurate and complete.

  1. Begin by entering the case number at the top of the form.
  2. Fill in the name of the court (Circuit, District, or Municipal) and the county or municipality where the case is being heard.
  3. In the section labeled "STATE OF ALABAMA MUNICIPALITY OF," write the name of the municipality involved in the case.
  4. Next, enter the name of the defendant and any sureties associated with the case.
  5. Indicate the date when the process is being issued in the designated area.
  6. Sign the form as the bondsman/surety to confirm your role in the case.
  7. Designate an agent for the purpose of arresting the defendant by writing their name in the specified area.
  8. Complete the bondsman return section by entering the date, time, and the name of the jail where the defendant is being surrendered.
  9. Finally, provide your signature as the bondsman/surety in the appropriate section.

Once the form is completed, it should be returned to the clerk of court promptly. Ensure you keep a copy for your records. Following these steps will help facilitate the process and ensure compliance with the requirements set forth by the court.

Misconceptions

Understanding the Alabama Cr 20 form is essential for those involved in the bail process. However, several misconceptions can lead to confusion. Here are six common misunderstandings:

  • Misconception 1: The Cr 20 form is only for use in criminal cases.
  • This form is primarily designed for cases involving bail, but it can also be relevant in certain civil matters where a surety is involved.

  • Misconception 2: A bondsman can arrest a defendant at any time without restrictions.
  • While the bondsman has the authority to arrest the defendant, this must occur in accordance with the law and within the bounds of the process outlined in the Cr 20 form.

  • Misconception 3: The bondsman is required to notify law enforcement before making an arrest.
  • Notification to law enforcement is not mandated. However, it is often advisable for the bondsman to communicate with local authorities to avoid complications.

  • Misconception 4: Once the defendant is surrendered, the bondsman's responsibility ends.
  • The bondsman remains responsible until the court discharges the bond, even after surrendering the defendant.

  • Misconception 5: The Cr 20 form is a guarantee that the defendant will be arrested.
  • The form provides the authority for arrest, but it does not ensure that the bondsman will successfully apprehend the defendant.

  • Misconception 6: The bondsman can delegate the arrest authority to anyone without documentation.
  • The bondsman must complete the designation section of the Cr 20 form to legally authorize another person to arrest the defendant.

Form Sample

State of Alabama Unified Judicial System

Form CR-20(front) Rev.3/95

BONDSMAN’S PROCESS

CASE NUMBER

IN THE_____________________________________COURT OF_____________________________________, ALABAMA

(Circuit, District, or Municipal)(Name of County or Municipality)

STATE OF ALABAMA

MUNICIPALITY OF_______________________________________v._________________________________________

Defendant

and________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sureties

WHEREAS, a surety on the bail in the above-styled case has expressed his or her wish to surrender the defendant to the custody of the sheriff or jailer and,

WHEREAS, the clerk of court has checked the records and has found that the above-styled case is still pending; and that the defendant or his or her sureties have not been discharged of their obligations; or that the records in the above-styled case reflect that the defendant has failed to appear for the case on which the obligation of bail as required and a warrant has been issued for the arrest of the defendant. NOW, THEREFORE, this process is issued, as required by law, giving the right to the surety (bondsman) to arrest the defendant at any place within the State of Alabama, or allowing the surety to authorize another person to arrest the defendant by an endorsement in writing on this document below or on an attachment to this document. The surety, bondsman or designee shall forthwith, after the arrest, take the defendant to the jail, as custodian thereof.

Issued this ______________________ day of ____________________, ___________.

________________________________________________

Clerk of Court

BONDSMAN DESIGNEE

I ____________________________________________, as surety on the bail in the above-styled

case, hereby designate ___________________________, as my agent for the purposes of arresting the

defendant as provided above.

________________________________________________

Signature of Bondsman/Surety

BONDSMAN RETURN

On this ____________ day of ________________________, _______, at ____________________ (time),

I,___________________________________, (Bondsman/Agent for________________________ Surety),

surrendered the defendant to the _____________________________jail.

(Name of Municipality or County)

________________________________________________

Signature of Bondsman/Surety

FORM CR-20 (BACK) REV.3/95

BONDSMAN’S PROCESS

NOTICE TO BONDSMAN OR BONDMAN’S DESIGNEE

(1)When notified by the clerk of court to return this process, you must return it within five (5) days of receiving the notice.

(2)Execution of this process after the defendant has been discharged is an illegal arrest.

NOTICE TO THE JAILER

Upon receipt of this Bondsman’s Process, you must return this Process to the clerk within five (5) days of receipt.

IDENTIFICATION OF ACCUSED PERSON

Name of Accused Person

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Telephone Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Social Security Number

 

Date of Birth

 

 

Age

Race

 

Sex

 

Height

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weight

 

Hair

Eyes

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address

 

 

City

 

 

 

 

State

 

Zip Code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name of Employer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employer’s Telephone Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address of Employer

 

 

 

 

City

 

 

 

 

State

 

Zip Code