2025 Session

§ 588.14 — Second Warrant; Action on Recognizance; Measure of Damages

Plain-Language Summary

If a person arrested for contempt does not show up on the scheduled court date, the court can issue a new arrest warrant, go after the bail bond, or both. If the bail bond is collected, the amount of damages is based on the harm caused to the other party plus the costs of the proceedings.

588.14 SECOND WARRANT; ACTION ON RECOGNIZANCE; MEASURE OF DAMAGES.

When a warrant of arrest has been returned served, if the person arrested does not appear on the return day, the court or officer may issue another warrant, or may order the recognizance prosecuted, or both. If the recognizance is prosecuted, the measure of damages shall be the amount of the loss or injury sustained by the aggrieved party by reason of the misconduct for which the warrant was issued and the costs of the proceeding.

History:

(9806) RL s 4652

History: History: (9806) RL s 4652

Practical Notes

Failing to appear after being arrested for contempt can result in a second warrant and loss of bail money. The bail bond amount goes toward compensating the harmed party for their actual losses, not just as a penalty to the court.

Source: Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes