People v. Ranger Ins. Co.

BLEASE, Acting P.J.

Ranger Insurance Company (Ranger) appeals from an order refusing to discharge an order of forfeiture and exonerate bail, and a summary judgment entered against it, pursuant to Penal Code sections 1305 and 1306. [1] On appeal, Ranger contends the summary judgment was void for lack of jurisdiction. We reject this argument, and affirm the judgment, and sanction Ranger and its counsel, E. Alan Nunez, for a frivolous appeal.

On January 25, 1999, Ranger posted a bond on behalf of William Jerome Nolan. When Nolan failed to appear on December 1, 1999, the court ordered the bond forfeited and mailed notice that same day to Ranger.

On May 10, 2000, Ranger filed a motion to extend the bail forfeiture date, pursuant to section 1305.4 and requested an extension for an additional 180 days. [2] Pursuant to Ranger's request, the hearing on the motion was set for June 5, 2000, at which time the court granted Ranger's motion. Thus, time for bail forfeiture was extended to November 22, 2000. Summary judgment was entered on January 2, 2001, well within the 90 days from forfeiture allowed by section 1306.

It is well settled that the forfeiture or exoneration of bail is an…