Skipping bail, or “jumping bail,” occurs when a defendant fails to appear in court after being released on bail. In Fresno, as in the rest of California, skipping bail can lead to serious legal repercussions, compounding the initial charges and resulting in additional penalties.
Legal Consequences of Skipping Bail
1) Forfeiture of Bail Bond. When a defendant skips bail, the court issues a bench warrant for their arrest and the bail amount posted is forfeited. This means the court keeps the money or property used as collateral for the bail bond. If a bail bondsman was involved, the person who co-signed the bond may be liable to repay the full amount of the bond to the bail agency.
2) Additional Criminal Charges. Failing to appear in court is a crime in itself. In California, under Penal Code 1320, the act of skipping bail can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the nature of the original offense. For misdemeanors, skipping bail is usually charged as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail. For felony charges, skipping bail can be charged as a felony, carrying a potential prison sentence in addition to the penalties for the original crime.
3) Increased Bail Amount. If a defendant is re-arrested after skipping bail, the court may set a higher bail amount for the new release. The court can also decide to deny bail entirely, considering the defendant a flight risk. This makes it significantly harder for the defendant to secure release before their next court date.
4) Impact on Legal Defense. Skipping bail can negatively impact a defendant’s legal defense. It demonstrates a lack of reliability and responsibility to the court, which can influence the judge’s and jury’s perception. This may lead to harsher sentences if the defendant is eventually convicted of the original charges.
5) Involvement of Bail Bondsmen. When a defendant skips bail, bail bondsmen can hire bounty hunters to locate and apprehend the defendant. Bounty hunters have certain legal privileges that allow them to cross state lines and enter properties without a warrant to capture the fugitive. This can lead to a stressful and dangerous situation for the defendant and those associated with them.
6) Financial Repercussions for Co-Signers. If a bail bond was co-signed, the co-signer is financially responsible for the full bail amount if the defendant skips bail. This can lead to significant financial hardship, including wage garnishment, liens on property, and damage to credit scores.
The Importance of Appearing in Court
Appearing in court as required is crucial to avoid these severe consequences. If circumstances prevent a defendant from making a court appearance, it is essential to inform the court or their attorney as soon as possible. In some cases, the court may reschedule the appearance or issue a continuance, avoiding the issuance of a bench warrant.
Bail Bond Services in Clovis, Reedley, Sanger, Selma, Atwater, Los Banos, Merced, Visalia, Porterville, Tulare, Hanford, Corcoran, Lemoore & Greater Fresno, CA
Generally, skipping bail in Fresno carries significant legal and financial implications. Forfeiture of bail, additional criminal charges, increased bail amounts, negative impacts on legal defense, involvement of bounty hunters, and financial burdens on co-signers are all potential outcomes. Understanding these consequences emphasizes the importance of adhering to court schedules and maintaining open communication with legal representatives. This adherence ensures a smoother legal process and avoids further complications. When you need to post bail in Fresno, CA an surrounding areas, call Ajua Bail Bonds and let us assist you!
