What happens if a defendant fails to file a bond with the municipal court on time?

When a defendant fails to file a bond with the municipal court on time, the case is typically transferred to county court. This process is in place to ensure that the appeal can still proceed despite the defendant's oversight regarding the bond. Filing a bond is usually a prerequisite for appealing a municipal court decision, and the timely submission of the bond is crucial for maintaining the appeal's validity. If the bond is not filed on time, the court often does not dismiss the case outright; instead, it recognizes the procedural requirement and allows for the appeal to be elevated to a higher court, where different rules and obligations may apply.

The other options do not accurately represent the process that occurs when a bond is not filed on time. Dismissing the case would eliminate the opportunity for appeal entirely, while automatic approval of the bond is contradictory to the requirement for timely submission. Lastly, sending the case to a higher court without proper adherence to bond requirements would undermine the system's integrity and procedural norms.