The bail process can be confusing, especially if you’re not familiar with the criminal justice system. For example, what happens if you don’t appear in court after getting out on bail? Do you need to go back to jail? Does your bail get revoked? Are there other consequences of failing to appear in court after getting out on bail?
If you fail to appear in court after getting out on bail, it is called a “failure to appear” (FTA). Many people might think that it is a simple violation of bail, but it is actually more serious than that. An FTA has much harsher consequences than just being ordered back to jail. Read on to know what happens when you fail to appear in court after getting out on bail.
What Happens if You Don’t Appear in Court After Getting Out on Bail?
If you fail to appear in court after getting out on bail, you are violating the terms of your bail. If a judge finds out that you have violated the terms of your bail, they can revoke your bail.
Once your bail is revoked, you will have to go back to jail. If you were released on your own recognizance (ROR), you will have to go back to jail. If you were released on bail and then failed to appear in court, the judge will issue a warrant for your arrest.
You will then be taken back into custody and brought to court to face a judge. The judge will then decide what your punishment should be. They can order you back to jail, impose a fine, or sentence you to community service or house arrest. The judge can also order you to complete an alcohol or drug treatment program if applicable.
When You Fail to Appear, Your Bail Is Revoked
If you fail to appear in court after getting out on bail, your bail will be revoked. Your bail is the money you promise to pay the court in exchange for being released from jail while you await your trial. Bail can be in the form of cash, property, or a surety bond.
Depending on the type of bail you posted, a judge will revoke your bail in different ways. If you posted cash bail, then the judge will order your bail to be forfeited. If you posted property as bail, then the judge will issue a lien. If you posted a surety bond, then the court will revoke your bail by making the surety company “no longer liable” for your bail.
The Consequences of Having Your Bail Revoked
If you are released on bail and then fail to appear in court, the judge will revoke your bail. Having your bail revoked will delay your trial since you will have to go back to jail while you await a new trial date.
Depending on the severity of your violation, you could go back to jail or be released on your own recognizance. If you were released on your own recognizance and then failed to appear in court, you will have to wait for a judge to issue a warrant for your arrest. If you posted bail and then failed to appear in court, your bail will be forfeited.
You will have to pay the court back with interest. If you have a warrant out for your arrest, you will have to stay in jail until you are taken back to court and your bail gets resolved.
Other Consequences of Failing to Appear in Court After Getting Out on Bail
After you fail to appear in court after getting out on bail, your case could be dismissed, or it could become more serious. When that happens, you will have to wait for another charge to be filed against you.
Getting out on bail can be a stressful experience, especially if you don’t know what will happen if you fail to appear in court after getting out on bail. It is important to educate yourself about the bail process.
This will help you know what to expect during the bail process and what the consequences of failing to appear in court after getting out on bail might be. Bail can be a helpful tool for people who are awaiting trial so long as they show up.
The Lesson Here? Make Bail and Go to Court, it’s Your Best Chance of Being Free Again, Permanently
As you have discovered, if you miss your court date because of bail, it can be a serious problem. You’ll have to wait longer for your case to be resolved, which could mean increased costs, lost work time, and possibly even a change in custody or sentencing.
Many jurisdictions require you to notify the court before missing your court date so they won’t penalize you for running away. As soon as you’re out on bail, you need to find a qualified criminal defense attorney and give them enough time to prepare a strong defense.
Once you have a lawyer and they’re prepared to take on your case, you’re golden. A talented criminal defense attorney is worth every penny. Just remember, you need a
Always remember your court date and make sure you show up! As unpleasant as going to court may seem, you’ll be better off after you’re free and it’s all over.
Need a Bail Bond? Call Atomic Bail Bonds, Just Make Sure to Show Up in Court!
If you’re in a Connecticut jail and you need a bail bond, there’s no better place to call than Atomic Bail Bonds! We help people in their time of need, no questions asked. When you need a way out of jail to arrange for a proper criminal defense attorney to take your case, you need a bail bond, and we’ll be happy to give you one.
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