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The Cr 28 Alabama form is an essential document within the state's judicial system, specifically designed for bondsmen who wish to surrender a defendant to law enforcement. This application is filed in the appropriate court, whether it be Circuit, District, or Municipal, and it serves a critical function in the bail process. By completing this form, a surety indicates their intent to take action regarding a defendant who has failed to appear in court or has violated the terms of their bail. The form includes necessary information such as the case number, the name of the court, and details about the surety, including their address. It also allows the surety to designate another person to assist in the arrest of the defendant, thereby streamlining the process of returning the individual to custody. The Cr 28 form is a vital tool for ensuring accountability and maintaining the integrity of the bail system in Alabama.

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State of Alabama Unified Judicial System

Form CR-28

Rev.8/97

APPLICATION FOR

BONDSMAN’S PROCESS

CASE NUMBER

IN THE____________________________________COURT OF________________________________________, ALABAMA

(Circuit, District, or Municipal)

(Name of Municipality or County)

STATE OF ALABAMA

MUNICIPALITY OF __________________________________________________

V._______________________________________________________________________________________, DEFENDANT

TO THE CLERK OF THE ABOVE-NAMED COURT:

WHEREAS, I, the undersigned, as surety on the undertaking of bail of the defendant, desiring to surrender the defendant to the custody of the sheriff or jailer, hereby apply for the issuance of a Bondsman’s Process so that the defendant may be arrested by me or another person designated by my endorsement on the process at any place in the State of Alabama.

Date of Application_________________________

_________________________________________________

 

Surety

 

_________________________________________________

 

(Street Address/P.O. Box)

 

_________________________________________________

 

(City, State and Zip Code)

Form Specifications

Fact Name Details
Purpose The CR-28 form is used by a surety to apply for a Bondsman’s Process to surrender a defendant to law enforcement.
Governing Law This form is governed by Alabama state law, specifically Title 15 of the Alabama Code, which pertains to criminal procedure.
Jurisdiction The form can be filed in any Circuit, District, or Municipal Court within the State of Alabama.
Defendant Information The form requires the name of the defendant, who is the individual being surrendered.
Surety Details The surety must provide their name and address, ensuring that they can be contacted regarding the process.
Date of Application The applicant must indicate the date on which they are submitting the form, marking the official request for the Bondsman’s Process.

Cr 28 Alabama: Usage Guidelines

Filling out the Cr 28 form is a straightforward process. Ensure that you have all necessary information on hand before you begin. This will help you complete the form accurately and efficiently.

  1. Locate the case number at the top of the form. Fill it in the designated space.
  2. Identify the court type and write it in the first blank: either Circuit, District, or Municipal.
  3. In the next blank, enter the name of the municipality or county where the court is located.
  4. Write the name of the municipality in the section labeled STATE OF ALABAMA MUNICIPALITY OF.
  5. Fill in the defendant's name in the space labeled V.
  6. Address the clerk of the court by writing “TO THE CLERK OF THE ABOVE-NAMED COURT” below the defendant's name.
  7. In the space provided for the date of application, write the current date.
  8. Fill in your name as the surety in the designated area.
  9. Provide your street address or P.O. Box in the next line.
  10. Enter your city, state, and zip code in the final line.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the CR-28 form used for?

The CR-28 form is an application for a Bondsman’s Process in Alabama. It allows a surety, who is responsible for the bail of a defendant, to surrender that defendant to the custody of law enforcement. By completing this form, the surety can request permission to have the defendant arrested by themselves or another designated person within the state.

Who can fill out the CR-28 form?

The form can be filled out by the surety who has provided bail for the defendant. This individual is essentially acting as a guarantor for the defendant’s appearance in court. It is important that the surety is someone who is legally allowed to act in this capacity, as they are taking responsibility for the defendant’s compliance with court orders.

Where do I submit the CR-28 form?

You should submit the CR-28 form to the clerk of the court where the original case is being heard. This could be a Circuit, District, or Municipal court, depending on the nature of the case. Make sure to check the specific court's requirements for submission to ensure that everything is in order.

What information is required on the CR-28 form?

The form requires several key pieces of information. You will need to provide the case number, the name of the court, and the name of the municipality or county. Additionally, you must include your name as the surety, your address, and the date of the application. All of this information helps to properly identify the case and the parties involved.

What happens after I submit the CR-28 form?

Once you submit the CR-28 form, the court will review your application. If approved, a Bondsman’s Process will be issued. This allows you or a designated person to arrest the defendant and take them into custody. It’s important to follow any further instructions provided by the court to ensure compliance with the legal process.

Common mistakes

  1. Failing to provide a complete case number. This number is crucial for identifying the specific legal matter and ensuring the application is processed correctly.

  2. Not specifying the correct court type. Applicants often forget to indicate whether it is a Circuit, District, or Municipal court, which can lead to confusion and delays.

  3. Omitting the municipality or county name. This information is essential for jurisdictional purposes, yet it is frequently overlooked.

  4. Neglecting to sign the application. A signature is required to validate the request, and without it, the form is incomplete.

  5. Using an incorrect or outdated version of the form. Always ensure that you are using the latest version of the CR-28 form to avoid any issues.

  6. Providing an incomplete or incorrect address. The surety’s address must be accurate to ensure that all communications are received promptly.

  7. Failing to include a designated person for arrest. If the surety wishes to authorize someone else to act on their behalf, that person must be named in the application.

  8. Not including the date of application. This detail is important for tracking the timeline of the request and ensuring timely processing.

  9. Overlooking the need for additional documentation. Depending on the situation, extra paperwork may be necessary to support the application.

  10. Submitting the form without reviewing it. A thorough review can catch errors that may lead to delays or denials.

Documents used along the form

The CR-28 form is an essential document used in the state of Alabama for bondsmen to apply for the process of surrendering a defendant. Alongside this form, several other documents may be necessary to ensure proper legal procedures are followed. Each of these documents serves a specific purpose in the process of managing bail and the responsibilities of the surety. Below is a list of commonly used forms and documents that often accompany the CR-28.

  • CR-29: Bondsman’s Affidavit - This affidavit is completed by the bondsman to affirm their commitment and ability to cover the bail amount. It provides the court with assurance regarding the financial responsibility of the bondsman.
  • CR-30: Notice of Surrender - This notice is filed to inform the court and relevant parties that the bondsman intends to surrender the defendant. It outlines the reasons for the surrender and ensures all parties are aware of the action being taken.
  • CR-31: Bail Bond Agreement - This document details the terms of the bail bond between the surety and the defendant. It specifies the obligations of both parties and the conditions under which the bail will be forfeited.
  • CR-32: Motion for Forfeiture - If a defendant fails to appear in court, this motion can be filed by the bondsman to initiate the forfeiture of the bail bond. It formally requests the court to take action against the bond.
  • CR-33: Release of Surety - This form allows the surety to formally release themselves from their obligations under the bail bond. It is typically used when the defendant has fulfilled their court appearances or when the bond is no longer needed.
  • CR-34: Application for Bail Reduction - If circumstances change, this application can be submitted to request a reduction in the bail amount. It must provide justifiable reasons for the request, which the court will review.
  • CR-35: Defendant’s Release Order - This order is issued by the court to release the defendant from custody upon the posting of bail. It serves as an official document confirming the defendant's release.
  • CR-36: Surety’s Statement of Financial Condition - This statement provides a detailed account of the surety’s financial situation. It is often required by the court to assess the bondsman’s ability to cover the bail amount.

Understanding these documents and their purposes is crucial for anyone involved in the bail process. Each form plays a vital role in ensuring that the legal obligations are met and that the rights of all parties are protected. It is always recommended to consult with legal professionals when dealing with these forms to ensure compliance with all regulations and procedures.

Similar forms

The CR-28 form is an application for a bondsman's process in Alabama. Several other documents serve similar purposes in the legal system. Below is a list of nine documents that share characteristics with the CR-28 form:

  • Bail Bond Application - This document is used to apply for a bail bond, allowing a defendant to be released from custody while awaiting trial. Like the CR-28, it requires the surety's information and details about the defendant.
  • Surety Bond Agreement - This agreement outlines the terms between the surety and the court regarding the defendant's release. It is similar to the CR-28 in that it involves the surety's commitment to ensure the defendant appears in court.
  • Notice of Surrender - This form is used by a surety to notify the court that they are surrendering the defendant. It parallels the CR-28 as it also involves the surety's action to bring the defendant back into custody.
  • Application for Release on Recognizance - This document requests that a defendant be released without bail, based on their promise to appear in court. Both forms involve the court's oversight and the defendant's compliance.
  • Writ of Arrest - This legal document authorizes law enforcement to arrest a specific individual. It is similar to the CR-28 in that it facilitates the arrest of a defendant, albeit through a different process.
  • Affidavit of Surety - This sworn statement by the surety confirms their responsibility for the defendant's appearance in court. It shares similarities with the CR-28 by establishing the surety's role in the bail process.
  • Bond Forfeiture Notice - This document informs the surety that the bond may be forfeited if the defendant fails to appear in court. It relates to the CR-28 in terms of consequences for the surety's obligations.
  • Defendant's Release Order - This order formally releases a defendant from custody, often contingent on bail conditions. It connects with the CR-28 as both documents are part of the bail process.
  • Request for Bail Modification - This form is used to request changes to existing bail conditions. Like the CR-28, it involves the court's approval and the surety's involvement in the bail arrangement.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the CR-28 Alabama form, it’s important to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here are four things you should and shouldn't do:

  • Do fill out all required fields completely.
  • Don't leave any sections blank unless instructed to do so.
  • Do double-check your information for spelling and accuracy.
  • Don't use abbreviations that may confuse the reader.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions about the CR-28 Alabama form can lead to confusion for those involved in the legal process. Here are seven common misunderstandings:

  • The CR-28 form is only for criminal cases. Many believe this form is exclusively for criminal matters. In reality, it can also be used in civil cases where bail is involved.
  • You must be a licensed bondsman to use the CR-28 form. Some think that only licensed bondsmen can apply using this form. However, any surety who has the authority to act on behalf of the defendant can submit it.
  • The form guarantees the defendant's release. A common myth is that submitting the CR-28 form automatically leads to the defendant's release. In truth, it is merely a request for the issuance of process, not a guarantee of release.
  • The CR-28 form can be submitted at any time. Some individuals believe they can submit the form whenever they wish. However, it must be submitted during specific legal proceedings, typically after a bail has been set.
  • Filling out the CR-28 form is a complex process. Many feel intimidated by the form, thinking it requires extensive legal knowledge. In fact, the form is straightforward and can be completed with basic information.
  • Only the defendant can initiate the CR-28 process. There is a misconception that only the defendant can initiate this process. In reality, a surety can apply on behalf of the defendant, facilitating their surrender.
  • The CR-28 form is not necessary if the defendant is already in custody. Some believe that if the defendant is already in custody, the CR-28 form is unnecessary. However, it can still be used to formally request the defendant's surrender under certain circumstances.

Understanding these misconceptions can help individuals navigate the legal system more effectively and ensure that they utilize the CR-28 form appropriately.

Key takeaways

When filling out and using the Cr 28 Alabama form, there are several important points to keep in mind:

  • Identify the correct court: Ensure that you specify the appropriate court where the case is being heard, whether it is Circuit, District, or Municipal.
  • Complete your details accurately: Provide your full name, address, and contact information in the designated fields to avoid any processing delays.
  • Understand your role as surety: As the surety, you are responsible for the defendant's appearance in court. Be clear about your obligations and the implications of surrendering the defendant.
  • Timely submission: Submit the completed form promptly to the clerk of the court to ensure that the Bondsman’s Process is issued without unnecessary delay.