Finding out a friend or relative is in jail can be a traumatic experience. While your first impulse will naturally be to post bail, you should be aware of the consequences if the person fails to show up in court. The following information will help you understand what you can do if this occurs, and what will happen to your money and collateral as a result.

Missed Court Appearance After Posting Bail: What Happens Next?

Bail Will Be Considered Default

If a person misses their court appearance, friends or family who posted bail risk losing the money put up to satisfy the bail amount. Additionally, any collateral put up could also be lost. This includes things like vehicles or even houses, which can be used if you can’t provide the full amount in cash. At this point, bail is considered to be in default.

Bonding Agency Will Be Informed

While it can vary from state to state, in most cases the court will send notice to the bonding agency once the defendant fails to appear. The defendant may have a 90-day grace period during which they can turn themselves in to law enforcement. In other cases, a warrant will be issued, and if the defendant is apprehended, the person who posted bail can work through paperwork to remove the default status on their funds.

Fugitive Recovery May Be an Option

If a defendant does not return of their own volition and is not apprehended, you may have the option of hiring a fugitive recovery agent. Also known as a bounty hunter, this agent will attempt to track down the defendant and return him or her to the proper authorities. Fugitive recovery is not permitted in some states, so you’ll need to speak with a bonding agent about your options.

If you need to post bail on behalf of a loved one in Texarkana and aren’t sure where to turn, Bi-State Bail Bonds can help. Two decades of experience means that these bondsmen can expertly navigate the bonding process, which is crucial to securing the release of your loved one. They also try to ease the financial burden on families by offering affordable plans to make payments more manageable. Call (903) 794-2245 today to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable representative. You can also visit them online for more information on their services.