Have you ever wondered what would happen if a defendant skips bail? Here are all your answers and remember, always show up to your court hearings. When someone is released on bail, they are essentially given a second chance to prove that they can be trusted to show up for their court date. Unfortunately, not everyone takes this responsibility seriously, and some defendants may decide to skip bail and avoid facing the consequences of their actions. If you have bailed someone out of jail, it’s important to understand what happens if the defendant skips bail and how the bail forfeiture process works.
The Defendant Becomes a Fugitive
When a defendant skips bail, they become a fugitive from justice. The bail bondsman who posted the bail is then responsible for locating and apprehending the defendant, or risk forfeiting the bail bond. To aid in this process, many bail bond companies work with licensed bounty hunters, also known as bail enforcement agents, who are authorized to locate and apprehend fugitives on behalf of the bail bondsman.
Bounty Hunters Step In
Bounty hunters are trained professionals who are authorized to use force, if necessary, to apprehend fugitives. They work closely with law enforcement agencies to track down and arrest defendants who have skipped bail. Bounty hunters are also responsible for delivering the fugitive back to the court, so they can face the charges against them.
Bail Forfeiture
If the defendant cannot be located and brought back to court, the bail bondsman will be required to pay the full amount of the bail to the court. This process is known as bail forfeiture. The purpose of bail forfeiture is to ensure that the defendant appears in court and that the bail bondsman has an incentive to ensure their client shows up for their court date.
Bail forfeiture can be a costly and time-consuming process for the bail bondsman. If the defendant skips bail, the bail bondsman will usually have a certain amount of time, typically 90 days, to locate and apprehend the fugitive before the bail is forfeited. If the bail bondsman is successful in apprehending the fugitive, they can be reimbursed for their expenses, but if they are unable to locate the defendant, they may be required to pay the full amount of the bail to the court.
This Is Why Bonding Companies Require Collateral
To avoid bail forfeiture, bail bond companies typically require collateral from their clients, such as property or other assets, which can be seized and sold to cover the cost of the bail if the defendant skips town. Collateral requirements can vary depending on the amount of the bail and the risk involved in bailing out a particular defendant. For example, a defendant who is considered a flight risk may be required to provide more substantial collateral than someone who has strong ties to the community.
In some cases, bail bond companies may also require a co-signer, who is responsible for ensuring that the defendant shows up for their court date. If the defendant skips bail, the co-signer may be required to pay the full amount of the bail to the court, and the bail bondsman may be required to forfeit their bond.
Find the Fugitive
If you have bailed someone out of jail and they have skipped bail, it’s important to contact the bail bondsman as soon as possible. The bail bondsman will work with you to determine the best course of action, which may include hiring a bounty hunter or attempting to negotiate a surrender with the defendant. The longer you wait to take action, the more difficult it may be to locate and apprehend the fugitive, and the more likely it is that the bail will be forfeited.
Don’t Skip Bail
Skipping bail is a serious offense that can have significant consequences for both the defendant and the bail bondsman. If you have bailed someone out of jail and they have skipped bail, it’s important to understand what happens next and to work closely with your bail bondsman to ensure that the fugitive is apprehended and brought back to court. Remember that bail bond companies are there to help you through the bail process, but it’s ultimately up to the defendant to showup for their court date and fulfill their obligations under the bail agreement. If the defendant fails to do so, it can result in financial and legal consequences for everyone involved.
At A-EZ Out Bail Bonds, we understand the importance of ensuring that defendants show up for their court date and fulfilling our obligations as a bail bondsman. That’s why we work closely with our clients and their co-signers to ensure that they understand the terms of their bail agreement and the consequences of skipping bail. If a defendant does skip bail, we have licensed bounty hunters who are experienced in locating and apprehending fugitives and will work tirelessly to ensure that they are brought to justice.
Call A-EZ Out Bail Bonds
If you or a loved one needs help navigating the bail process, contact A-EZ Out Bail Bonds today. We offer a wide range of bail services and can help you through every step of the process, from posting bail to ensuring that you show up for your court date. Our experienced team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide you with the support you need. Don’t let a run-in with the law turn your life upside down. Call A-EZ Out Bail Bonds today and let us help you get back on track. Whether it is yourself or a friend as the defendant, never be the defendant that skips bail.