When you have a friend or loved one that has been arrested there are many people that will do what they can to get them out. That means that they are willing to work with a bail company to have them released until their court date. This is a great way to allow the inmate time to prepare as well as continue to work and support his or herself. The problem is that if you have signed for them to be released with a bail bond company you are also on the hook. If that person does not make it to an appointment with the court, they are then considered a fugitive. You may think that it has nothing to do with you since all you did was pay the fee or sign but it does. You can and will be held responsible for any actions that this person does while out. What does it mean for you and what are you supposed to do?
Robert Sepulveda Bail Bonds Explains What You Can Do If You Sign Bail For Someone & They Miss Their Court Date
What Does Skipping or Jumping Bail Mean?: This is pretty simple. When you are released from jail on bail or bond you are still under the court order to appear for any appointments and court dates that are set. You have not been charged or had the opportunity to plead your case at this point. While you are out you are going to be given a court date to appear in front of the judge. When you miss this extremely important date you have now skipped or ran out on bail. You are immediately a fugitive and a warrant for your arrest will be issued. You will have police officers as well the company that has bailed you out looking for you. Once you are found you will be taken back to jail where you will then wait to see a judge even if it takes several months to several years.
What Should You Do If Someone Runs Out On Bail: If you have been kind enough to sign for the release of an inmate that is a friend or family member you need to be confident that they will attend these court dates. If they happen to miss one they will be wanted and will be considered a fugitive. What does this mean for you? You will at minimum be contacted by the bail company who will have questions about the fugitive. The best thing you can do to save your investment in their release is to help in any way possible to find that person so they can be turned into the jail. You can give them addresses and numbers of other people they may be staying with and never allow them to hide at your house or business. You could be charged with a crime and end up in the same position as your loved one; behind bars!