If you seek the help of a bail bondsman to obtain the release of a loved one who has been arrested, you must understand that there are consequences if the defendant does not fulfill his/her obligations – one of which is to return to court to attend trial.
If the defendant doesn’t show up in court for the hearing, they are actually creating a big problem themselves, and for you as the indemnitor or co-signer of the bail bond.
Skipping or jumping bail is a criminal offense. It is therefore not a good idea for someone released on bail to flee or avoid court hearings. Otherwise, he or she is bound to face the following consequences:
Monetary Consequences
If you seek help from a bail bonds Denver company for the release of a family member or friend, you’re also giving the court a form of assurance that the defendant will return to court to attend scheduled hearings. By signing the indemnity agreement, you have entered into a contract that makes you and the bail bond company both responsible for the defendant’s return to attend court dates. The defendant’s failure to face trial puts you at risk of paying the total bail amount and losing the collateral you deposited with the bondsman.
Civil Liability
When you vouch for the release of a suspect by way of a surety bond, you are automatically liable to the court the moment they fail to appear for a court date. When this happens, it is your obligation to find the suspect and present them in court.
Additional Legal Problems for the Defendant
Bail jumping is a criminal offense. Pursuant to state and federal law, a defendant’s failure to appear in court after being released on bail can result in:
- Forfeiture of the bond
- The defendant must face their initial criminal charges
- Possible additional charges for bail jumping
Bail Enforcement
If the defendant cannot be found or refuses to surrender within 30 days after the forfeiture of the bond, the bail bondsman may hire a bail enforcement agent or bounty hunter to recover the missing suspect. When the bail jumper is recovered, they will be turned over to the county or jail where they were booked – to await trial for the initial offense and for failure to show up in court. In this instance, the defendant may no longer be allowed to post bail.
When you post bail for someone, professional bail bond agencies like the provider of bail bonds Denver defense lawyers recommend will possibly ask you to act as a co-signer or indemnitor. Additionally, they will also take the responsibility of updating you and the defendant of upcoming hearing schedules.
Bail jumping can put a defendant in a lot of trouble with the law. If you post bail for someone, you must be sure to contact an experienced professional like a Denver bail bonds provider that always sees to it that their beneficiary defendants understand their obligations in the contract.
If you need a Denver bail bonds expert that cares, call Red’s Anytime Bail Bonds at (303) 623-2245.