Section 40-11-138 - Release of bail bondsmen or sureties from obligations(a) If the conditions of the bail bond have been performed and the defendant has been discharged from the defendant's obligations in the cause, the clerk of the court shall return to the bondsman the deposit of any cash. If the bail has been secured by real estate, the clerk of the court shall immediately prepare and forward to the register a written release of the deed of trust on the real estate. The costs of the release shall be paid by the defendant.(b)(1) A bail bondsman or surety shall be released from an obligation under a bail bond if the charge against the surety's principal is disposed of by acquittal, agreement with the state, whether diversion or otherwise, or retirement.(2)(A) If the charge is disposed of by conviction or a plea of guilty, the bond shall remain in effect until the court renders the defendant's sentence.(B) After conviction or a plea of guilty, and before the court renders the defendant's sentence, the bond shall not be forfeited against a surety, shall not be included in the calculation of a professional bondsman's capacity or solvency, or otherwise negatively impact the surety.(c) If after the bond has been active and in effect for three (3) years and the state has failed to seek an original indictment before a grand jury against the defendant covered by the bond, the bond shall not be forfeited against the surety and shall not be included in the calculation of a professional bondsman's capacity, solvency, or otherwise negatively impact the surety involved.Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 262,s 1, eff. 5/2/2017.Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 922,s 1, eff. 5/16/2014.Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 388,s 2, eff. 5/6/2013.Acts 1978, ch. 506, § 34; T.C.A., § 40-1238; Acts 1988, ch. 877, § 1; 1989, ch. 109, § 1.