Randy and Evi Quaid finally appeared in court Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to felony charges of defrauding an innkeeper.

The couple skipped previous court hearings without explanation after being accused of using an invalid credit card to defraud San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito of more than $10,000.

Their attorney Robert Sanger did not immediately return a call seeking comment. He has said the Quaids repaid the ranch and hoped to resolve the case.

It appeared the Quaids had forfeited a total of $40,000 in bail when they failed to appear for a hearing last week.

But a judge allowed that money to stand as bail Tuesday and freed the two defendants, prosecutor Lee Carter said.