What Happens When You Skip Bail?
When you have a loved one who needs to make bail, you naturally want to make sure that they get out of jail as soon as possible so they can get back to their life and responsibilities. However, it’s very important that they also understand that they can’t miss their court date.
If they skip out after they have made bail, there could be serious and significant legal consequences. Those negative consequences can be in addition to the consequences for the crime they committed that actually put them in jail, and can give them more legal trouble than they were already facing.
Jumping or Skipping Bail
When a person doesn’t honor their bail bond and chooses to skip or jump bail instead, their bail bond amount may be forfeited in addition to the extra charges they will face. If you have paid to bail them out and they skip bail, you may not see that money back. It will be retained by the bail agent and you’ll be at a financial loss. It’s important that the court shows that the person intentionally failed to show up because accidents and mistakes do happen. However, appearing in court after making bail is very important and not something the person wants to miss or ignore.
A Bench Warrant May Be Issued
In many cases, a bench warrant will be issued for the arrest of the person who skipped bail. A bounty hunter may also be employed to track the person down and bring them in so he or she can appear in court. Missing a court date doesn’t automatically mean a bounty hunter will be after them, but it certainly could happen. That’s especially true in higher profile cases or cases of a more serious nature where the criminal may be violent and the bond amount was very high.
Will Your Loved One Skip Bail?
The risk that a person will skip their court date doesn’t mean you shouldn’t help a loved one by helping them make bail. Just be aware of the potential consequences, and be sure that bailing them out is the right thing for you to do. If they skip you could lose the money you paid to help them out, so think carefully about whether you have a level of trust with them and what you will do if they fail to show up in court. Then you can do what you feel best about while still supporting your loved one.
If you or a loved one needs to make bail, contact Free At Last Bail Bonds today and let us help you get started on the process. We know the ins and outs of bail and of getting someone released as soon as possible. Don’t assume you just have to wait when you may have options that could free you or your loved one much faster than you expected. We’re here and ready to help.
We understand the importance and urgency of reuniting families. Contact us today!