County of Los Angeles v. Ranger Insurance

J.Ranger Insurance Company (Ranger) appeals from an order which denied its motion to discharge a forfeiture on a bail bond, and from the summary judgment entered on that forfeiture in favor of the County of Los Angeles (the County). Ranger contends the trial court lacked jurisdiction to enter the summary judgment because the judgment was not entered in a timely manner. We find Ranger is estopped to make this argument and we affirm the order denying Ranger’s motion to vacate the forfeiture. The appeal from the summary judgment will be dismissed.

Background of the Case

1. The Bail Bond, the Criminal Defendant’s Failure to Appear, and the Forfeiture

On May 6, 1996, Ranger, through its agent H & H Bail Bonds, posted bail for criminal defendant Amgad Ibraham (Ibraham) in the sum of $30,000. Ibraham failed to appear for a scheduled court appearance on May 17, 1.996, without sufficient cause. The court ordered bail forfeited. On May 28, 1996, the clerk mailed a notice of order forfeiting bail to H & H Bail Bonds and to Ranger.

2. The Motion to Vacate Forfeiture of the Bail Bond and the Extension of Time

On October 31, 1996, a motion was filed to vacate the forfeiture,…