What Happens When You Miss a Court Date?

If you have a loved one in jail, and are working to get them bailed out, then you likely have many questions. One of the most common questions we hear is, “what happens when a defendant misses a court date?” This is of concern if you are co-signing the bail bond for someone else’s release. Learn what happens when you miss a court date, and why it’s important if you are working to bail a loved one out of jail.

The Purpose of Bail

The entire purpose of bail is to ensure that a defendant returns to court to face justice after being charged with a crime. You see, courts face a dilemma: They can’t keep people who are presumed innocent in our criminal justice system sitting in jail. This would result in job losses, foreclosures, and broken lives. Additionally, the cost to the court system would be far too great But, they also can’t simply release people with no incentive to return – otherwise many would simply skip their court dates. To solve this dilemma, bail was put into place. The defendant, or a loved one, can pay a certain fee that will be returned at the completion of the trial – no matter what the outcome.

 Consequences When You Miss a Court Date

Because the entire purpose of bail is to insure the defendant returns to court, when a court date is missed, the court takes it very seriously. Here are a few consequences:

• Bail (or bail bond) is Forfeit
• Arrest Warrant Issued
• Additional Fines & Criminal Charges
• Bounty Hunter May be Hired

When a person misses a court date, bail is immediately forfeit, and will not be returned at the completion of the case. An arrest warrant will be issued as well, and the defendant will likely face additional criminal charges (missing court is a crime called Failure to Appear). Additional fines and consequences will occur. If the defendant was released using a bail bond, collateral will be in danger. And, bail agents often hire bounty hunters to find and return the defendant so they are not held responsible for the full bail amount.

Call 1^st Choice Bail Bonds for Fast, Affordable Bail

If you have a loved one in jail, you need help fast. Don’t let them sit there longer than necessary. Call 1^st Choice Bail Bonds to get affordable bail bonds quickly, and get your loved one back home where they belong.