When someone is released from jail on a bail bond, they’re making a legal promise to appear in court. But what happens if they don’t show up? Skipping bail doesn’t just put the defendant at risk, it also affects the person who co-signed the bond and the bail bondsman who secured their release.
If a defendant disappears, bail bondsmen are legally and financially responsible for recovering them. They may use tools like bounty hunters and legal action to locate the individual and recover their investment. The consequences can be severe, and they don’t go away on their own.
What Happens When You Skip Bail?
Failing to appear in court, commonly called “skipping bail”, triggers a series of serious legal and financial consequences for the defendant and anyone who co-signed for them.
- 1. Bench Warrant Issued
The first and most immediate consequence of skipping bail is the issuance of a bench warrant. Once the defendant fails to appear in court, the judge authorizes law enforcement to arrest them on sight.
This warrant remains active indefinitely, meaning the defendant can be arrested at any time, during a routine traffic stop, at work, or even at home. The failure to appear also becomes a separate criminal offense, often resulting in additional jail time and fines.
- 2. Bail Is Forfeited
When a bail bondsman posts bail, they’re putting their money on the line with the understanding that the defendant will appear in court. If the defendant disappears, the full bail amount is forfeited to the court.
In this case, the co-signer becomes financially responsible for the full bail amount. That could mean:
- – Wage garnishment
– Seizure of property or assets used as collateral
– Damage to credit scores
Even if the co-signer didn’t know the defendant planned to flee, they are still held liable.
- 3. Bounty Hunters May Be Hired
To avoid losing their money, bail bondsmen often hire licensed bounty hunters (also called fugitive recovery agents) to track down the defendant. In most states, these agents have legal authority to:
- – Enter the defendant’s property without a warrant
– Detain and transport them back to jail
– Cross state lines to apprehend fugitives
Bounty hunters are typically paid a percentage of the bail amount, which gives them a strong incentive to locate the defendant quickly.
FAQ Section
Q1: How long does a bail bondsman have to find you?
A: This varies by state, but generally, bail bondsmen have 90 to 180 days after the missed court appearance to locate the defendant before the bail is permanently forfeited.
Q2: Can a co-signer go to jail if the defendant skips bail?
A: No, co-signers do not face jail time. However, they are legally responsible for the entire bail amount, which can result in serious financial consequences if the defendant isn’t found.
Conclusion
Skipping bail may seem like a way to avoid court, but it only creates bigger legal and financial problems. Arrest warrants, additional charges, forfeited bail, and bounty hunters are just a few of the consequences. And the longer someone remains on the run, the worse it gets, for them and for their co-signer.
If you’re involved in a bail bond situation, whether as a defendant or co-signer, communication is key. Don’t wait until it’s too late.