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What Could Go Wrong? Learn About Skipping Bail

30 March 2023

Mathéo Gerard

When a person is released on bail, they must agree to appear at upcoming court appointments. Failure to do so can result in some very serious consequences. Since many people use a bail bonding agency to get them out of jail, the below information pertains to what could occur if a person skips out on a bail bond. Read more about bail bonds and what could go wrong if the conditions are not met. 

What is a Bail Bond?

Bail bonds can be purchased at businesses near the jail or courthouse. They cost less than the full bail amount. In most cases, they are only a percentage of the full bail price. The bail bonding agency arranges the bail and the defendant can be released from jail in as little as a few hours.

Skipping Bail with a Bail Bond

Skipping bail if you have a bail bond can have serious consequences. When you post bail, you are essentially promising to comply with all conditions of your release. If you fail to do so, you may be considered in breach of your bail agreement, and the consequences can be severe. Here are some potential consequences of skipping bail if you have a bail bond:

• Forfeiture of bail: If you fail to appear in court, the court may issue a bench warrant for your arrest and declare your bail forfeited. This means that you will lose the money or collateral that you used to secure your bail, and the bail bond company may come after you to recoup their losses.
• Arrest and imprisonment: If a bench warrant is issued for your arrest, law enforcement may arrest you and place you in jail until your next court appearance. Depending on the circumstances, you may face additional charges for failing to appear in court or violating your bail agreement.
• Loss of collateral: If you used collateral such as property or assets to secure your bail, you may lose those assets if you fail to appear in court. The bail bond company may sell the collateral to recoup their losses.
• Negative impact on future legal proceedings: Failing to appear in court can make you look unreliable and untrustworthy in the eyes of the court. This can negatively impact any future legal proceedings you may be involved in.

It is important to take your bail agreement seriously and to comply with all conditions of your release. If you are unable to attend a court hearing or comply with a condition of your bail agreement, it is important to contact your bail bond company and/or attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options.

For more information, contact a bail bondsman service near you.

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