No one wants to face trial, especially if the outcome isn’t looking too great. Skipping trial or fleeing may have come to your mind more than once. However, this will only make things worse. Not only will there be many consequences that ensue your failure to appear at court, but it negatively affects your case as well. When you post bail, you are agreeing to show up to all court hearings and trials. In return, you are with your family and friends. Having the opportunity to defend yourself outside of a cell is an advantage you should be thankful for, not something to wreck. Here are a couple of reasons why you shouldn’t flee while on bail.
Financial Problems and Jail Time
If you miss your court date due to a mistake, sickness, or other conflicting reason, the judge may forfeit your bond. This means that you can’t recover the full value of the bond. It also means you will have to pay the bail bond agency their premium.
Fleeing a criminal trial, or “jumping bail” is a crime in itself. If you jump bail on a misdemeanor charge, you could be charged with another misdemeanor. This means you could face up to 6 months in jail, and owe a $1,000 fine.
If you skip trial on a felony charge, you will be charged with an additional felony charge. You could face up to 1 year in jail, 16 months in prison, and/or a $10,000 fine.
Co-Signer Is in Trouble
Defendants need co-signers to get a bail bond in many cases. Co-signers agree to share the financial and legal responsibilities, including making sure the defendant makes it to all court hearings. If the defendant jumps bail, the responsibilities fall completely on your co-signer. They will face court fines and even be responsible for the bail bond premium. You don’t want to put your family or friend through this. They were nice enough to help you out, the least you can do is keep your word and attend your court hearings.
A Bounty Hunter Is After You
Bail bond companies hire bounty hunters to catch fugitives. If you flee while on bail, a bounty hunter will use all of their resources to find you. This includes asking your family and friends, entering your home without your permission, surveillancing your inner circle, and performing a background check. A bounty hunter doesn’t get paid until they find you. Therefore, they will work tirelessly to track you down.
A-EZ Out Bail Bonds
You should never flee while on bail. You will only dig yourself into a bigger mess. Trial can be terrifying, but you want to abide by all the bail rules. After all, you are given the chance to be with your family and friends and to find an attorney outside of jail. If you are in need of a bail bond still, give A-EZ Out Bail Bonds a call. We will grant you a speedy release, with the least amount of hassle.