What Is an Appeal Bond?

An appeal bond is a type of court-ordered bond that allows a defendant to delay paying a judgment or serving a sentence while they appeal the court’s decision. It acts as a financial guarantee that the defendant will follow through with the appeal process and pay any costs, damages, or penalties if the appeal is unsuccessful.

Appeal bonds are most common in civil cases, but they may also apply in certain criminal cases where a defendant is appealing a conviction or sentence.

Purpose of an Appeal Bond

The main goal of an appeal bond is to:

• Prevent frivolous appeals meant to delay justice
• Protect the winning party (the appellee) by ensuring payment if the appeal fails
• Demonstrate the appellant’s good faith in pursuing a legitimate appeal

Without an appeal bond, the original judgment could be enforced immediately, even while the appeal is pending.

How Does an Appeal Bond Work?

1. Judgment Issued: The court rules against a party (the appellant).
2. Notice of Appeal Filed: The losing party files a formal appeal to a higher court.
3. Bond Set by Court: The judge determines the amount of the appeal bond—usually equal to the judgment amount plus interest and potential legal costs.
4. Posting the Bond: The appellant can post the full amount in cash or work with a bail bond company to issue a surety appeal bond.
5. Stay of Enforcement: Once the bond is posted, enforcement of the original judgment is paused until the appeal is resolved.

Who Needs an Appeal Bond?

• Defendants in civil cases who have been ordered to pay a judgment
• Criminal defendants appealing a conviction or sentence (in limited cases)
• Businesses involved in lawsuits that want to avoid immediate payment or property seizure during appeal

Benefits of an Appeal Bond

• Prevents asset seizure while the appeal is pending
• Buys time to prepare for the appeal without immediate financial loss
• Demonstrates good faith to the court and opposing party
• Ensures compliance with the final court ruling

What Happens If the Appeal Fails?

If the appeal is unsuccessful:

• The bond amount is used to pay the judgment, interest, and court costs.
• The bail bond company (if used) pays the court and seeks reimbursement from the appellant.
• The appellant remains responsible for any outstanding balance or fees.

If the appeal succeeds, the bond is discharged and no payment is required.

How a Bail Bond Agency Can Help

Because appeal bonds often involve large sums of money, many defendants work with licensed bail bond agents. A bail bond company can post the appeal bond on your behalf for a non-refundable fee—typically 10% of the bond amount.

This makes it possible to continue the appeal process without tying up your assets or paying the full amount upfront.

Need Help Posting an Appeal Bond?

If you or your business needs to file an appeal and can’t afford the full bond amount, our experienced bail agents can help. We’ll handle the process quickly and professionally so you can focus on your case with confidence.

We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.

‍