If you or a loved one are thinking about skipping out on bail, let us just stop you right there. Navigating the legal system can be complicated and overwhelming, but understanding the responsibilities that come with your release is essential in avoiding further problems.
At Owens Bonding Co. we provide bail bonds across Kansas to help individuals return to their lives while they await trial. However, the agreement made when you post bail is a serious legal commitment and failing to honor that commitment – known as “skipping bail” carries heavy consequences.
What Does it Mean to Skip Bail?
In the simplest terms, skipping bail (also referred to as bail jumping) occurs when a defendant is released from custody with the understanding that they will attend all scheduled court dates but fails to appear. The primary purpose of the bail system is to ensure that a defendant returns to face the charges against them. When someone “skips,” they are essentially breaking a legal contract with the court and their bail bond agency.
The Immediate Legal Fallout
In Kansas, failure to appear in court triggers immediate judicial repercussions. The moment a defendant fails to appear, the judge will typically issue a bench warrant for their arrest. This warrant remains active until the individual is back in custody, meaning they could be arrested at any time—even during a routine traffic stop.
Bail jumping is often treated as a separate criminal offense. If the original charge was a misdemeanor, skipping court may result in an additional misdemeanor charge. If the original charge was a felony, the act of skipping bail can be elevated to a new felony charge. This adds more jail time and higher fines to an already difficult situation.
Financial and Personal Impact
When you post bail through an agency like Owens Bonding, you are entering a “surety bond” agreement. If the defendant skips, the bond goes into default. This means:
- Bond Forfeiture: The full amount of the bail becomes due to the court.
- Financial Liability: The person who co-signed for the bond is held legally and financially responsible for the total bail amount.
- Loss of Collateral: If property, jewelry, or other assets were used to secure the bond, they may be seized to cover the costs.
How to Handle a Missed Court Date
At Owens Bonding Co., we know that life can happen. Maybe a missed date is an honest mistake due to a medical emergency or a misunderstanding. Either way, the best course of action is to be proactive and ensure that you maintain communication with your attorney and bail bondsman. Being honest with law enforcement and the bonding agency can sometimes help in persuading a judge to recall a warrant and reset the court date.
Skipping bail never makes the original problem go away; it only makes it more expensive and dangerous. If you have questions about the process or need assistance with Kansas bail bonds, the experts at Owens Bonding Co. are available 24/7 to help you navigate the system responsibly.