What must the clerk do after a defendant's license is surrendered to the court?

After a defendant's license is surrendered to the court, it is the responsibility of the clerk to forward the license and the record of the conviction to the Department of Public Safety (DPS). This process is critical as it ensures that the appropriate authorities are informed of the conviction and that the status of the defendant's driving privileges is accurately updated in their records. This action helps maintain the integrity of the legal and regulatory frameworks governing driving rights and ensures that any penalties associated with the conviction are appropriately enforced.

In most jurisdictions, this forwarding process is a standard requirement following a license surrender due to legal infractions, such as driving under the influence or other serious violations. The obligation to inform the DPS reflects the interconnectedness of the court system and the driving license regulatory bodies, ensuring a coherent enforcement system.

The other options involve actions that do not align with standard procedures following a license surrender. Storing the license indefinitely or returning it to the defendant after a year would contradict the legal framework governing license control. Additionally, while notifying the defendant of their right to appeal is an important function of the court, it does not pertain specifically to the action required after a license is surrendered. Thus, forwarding the license and records to the DPS is the most appropriate and accurate procedure