What Is Skipping Bail?

Skipping bail is when someone posts bail but fails to appear at their assigned court date. Typically, people skip bail to avoid prosecution or sentencing proceedings. You could even argue that skipping bail defeats the entire purpose of the bail system.

When a person jumps (skips) bail, they forfeit their bond and subsequently owe the total cost of their bail. Furthermore, if someone skips bail, the court will issue a warrant for their arrest. Finally, if they used a bail bonds agency like Bad Boys Bail Bonds, that agency might even send a bounty hunter after them.

Jumping bail is the closest sin to a mortal sin you can commit regarding the bail bonds system. Skipping bail negates the purpose of the bail system and, worse, makes you some new, powerful enemies. Please don’t do it.

What is the Purpose of the Bail System?

What is the purpose of bail, you ask? Well, in short, bail allows defendants to prepare and wait for their trial from the comfort of their homes.

Without the bail system, defendants unable to pay bail would spend their pretrial period behind bars at a local jail. That flies directly in the face of the cornerstone of our criminal justice system — people are innocent until proven guilty. Bail aims to provide a solution for those held without being convicted of a crime.

What Happens When You Skip Bail?

If you decide to skip bail, then you can expect any number of the following things to happen to you:

  • The court will likely issue a warrant in your name. Once given, law enforcement officers in the area will be looking to arrest you.
  • Your driver’s license may get suspended, and the court won’t lift the suspension until you appear.
  • There will be additional charges for you to pay in full.
  • The court can raise your bail amount, even if you’ve already posted bail.

If released on your recognizance, the court may charge you a bail fee when you finally appear.

Is Jumping Bail a Crime?

In short, yes. Skipping bail is a crime. In fact, in several states, jumping bail is a full-blown felony! However, jumping bail is separate from “any offenses that were the original focus of the court hearing” (LegalMatch).

Moreover, skipping or jumping bail will cost you much more time and money than if you showed up for your assigned court date.

What Can Bad Boys Bail Bonds Do If You Jump Bail?

If you worked with us here at Bad Boys Bail Bonds, we covered the cost of your bail under the condition that you appear at all your assigned court dates. If you don’t show up, the court will notify us of your delinquency, and your bond is then in default. After that, we have several days to get you into court.

To get you into court, we may employ a bounty hunter. Check out our blog post here to learn more about bounty hunters and what they do for the bail bonds industry.

What If The Person You Bailed Out Skips Bail?

If you bailed someone out and they subsequently jumped or skipped bail, you’re at risk of losing your collateral and bond payment. That’s right, even if you bail someone else out, you’re responsible for their court appearance. After all, by bailing them out, you vouched for their trustworthiness.

Don’t bail someone out if you’re concerned they’ll skip or jump bail. The risk is just not worth the reward.

Need Bail? Contact Us Here At Bad Boys Bail Bonds!

Now, we understand that all this talk about the punishments and consequences for skipping bail can put you off the bail industry altogether.

However, don’t let this scare you away from bail bond agencies like the Bad Boys Bail Bonds. Without the bail industry, most people wouldn’t be able to afford bail in the first place. We’re always standing by to help! So, if you need help with bail or wish to learn even more about the consequences of skipping bail, contact us immediately.

Learn more about our professional bail bond services at the following locations:

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You can trust fellow PBUS members, the Bail Bonds Doctor, to help you with your bail bond needs outside the state. They specialize in Minneapolis bail bonds and provide the same level of professional service as other members of the PBUS.