Did you secure a bail bond in Sacramento for yourself, a family member, or a friend? If so, you know just how beneficial one can be.
A bail bond can prevent a person from sitting behind bars while undergoing the legal process. It can also help them create a more compelling case before stepping into a courtroom to defend themselves with assistance from an attorney or public defender.
However, skipping bail (a.k.a. bail jumping) is a relatively common problem in the U.S. It can jeopardize a defendant’s freedom and present even more legal problems than they were already facing.
Ensure you understand the concept of skipping bail before securing a bail bond for yourself or someone else who has been arrested and charged with a crime. Here, a Sacramento bail bond agent breaks down bail jumping and its potential consequences.
What Skipping Bail Means
The concept of skipping bail, or bail jumping, is easy to understand. It occurs when a defendant in a legal case secures a bail bond to get out of jail but then fails to appear at the required court hearing to answer the charges filed against them.
It’s never a good idea for defendants to skip hearings during their legal proceedings. It’s an especially bad idea for someone fortunate enough to receive assistance from a bail bonds agency to do it.
Many states, including California, consider skipping bail a crime. Under California Penal Code (PC) § 1320.5, failing to appear in court after being released from jail on a bail bond is a felony. Failure to appear in court can further complicate a person’s legal status and potentially compromise their freedom during the remainder of their case.
Why Bail Jumping Is Always a Bad Idea
If you or someone you know chooses to skip bail by not appearing in court after being bailed out of jail by a bail bonds agency like Eight Ball Bail Bonds, the agency will send someone to track them down as quickly as possible. However, this may be the least of their worries.
Other consequences also come with bail jumping, outside of simply being charged with an additional crime. Here are several of the most impactful legal consequences of skipping bail:
- A judge will likely issue an arrest warrant.
- A court will probably declare bail forfeiture.
- A judge may suspend a person’s driver’s license.
It’s extremely important for those who post bail bonds to show court appearance compliance and adhere to all their bail conditions. Otherwise, they could face these consequences and possibly even end up with more demerits on their criminal record by the time everything is said and done.
How To Avoid the Legal Consequences of Skipping Bail
Skipping bail isn’t going to do you or a loved one any good. While it might enable someone to steer clear of having to attend a single court hearing, it won’t be long before the law catches up to them.
Know when and where court hearings will be held to avoid the legal consequences of skipping bail. Plan to show up early so a judge doesn’t get the impression that you aren’t taking the legal process seriously enough.
Need a Bail Bond in Sacramento? Get in Touch With Eight Ball Bail Bonds Now
If you need a bail bond in Sacramento or have further bail bond questions about skipping bail you would like answered, Eight Ball Bail Bonds can help. We specialize in setting up those in the Sacramento area with the necessary bail bonds. Contact us today to learn more!