Text of article effective on January 01, 2025

Art. 45A.203. APPEAL BOND. (a) An appeal is perfected when the appeal bond has been filed:

(1) with the justice or judge who tried the case; and

(2) not later than the 10th day after the date the judgment was entered.

(b) If an appeal bond is not timely filed, the appellate court does not have jurisdiction over the case and shall remand the case to the justice or municipal court for execution of the sentence.

(c) The amount of an appeal bond may not be less than the greater of:

(1) twice the amount of the fine and costs adjudged against the defendant; or

(2) $50.

(d) If an appeal bond otherwise meets the requirements of this code, the court, without requiring a court appearance by the defendant, shall approve the appeal bond in the amount the court notified the defendant would be approved under Article 27.14(b).

(e) An appeal bond must be made payable to the State of Texas and must:

(1) state that the defendant was convicted in the case and has appealed; and

(2) be conditioned on the defendant:

(A) making a personal appearance before the court to which the appeal is taken:

(i) immediately, if the court is in session; or

(ii) if the court is not in session, at the next regular term of the court, provided that the bond states the time and place of that session; and

(B) remaining at the court from day to day and term to term to answer in the case.

Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 765 (H.B. 4504), Sec. 1.001, eff. January 1, 2025.