California, United States of America
The following excerpt is from People v. Bankers Ins. Co., A159278 (Cal. App. 2021):
The law traditionally disfavors forfeitures and this disfavor extends to forfeiture of bail. (People v. United Bonding Ins. Co.[, supra, ] 5 Cal.3d [at p.] 906.) Thus, sections 1305 and 1306 must be strictly construed in favor of the surety to avoid the harsh results of a forfeiture. [Citation.] (People v. Surety Ins. Co., supra, 165 Cal.App.3d at p. 26.) This is in part because the public interest... prefers the appearance of a defendant rather than a monetary penalty. (County of Los Angeles v. Surety Ins. Co. (1985) 165 Cal.App.3d 948, 950.)
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