What Happens If Someone Skips Court After a Theft Bail Bond?
When someone is released on bail, they promise to return for their court date. This legal promise is especially serious in theft-related cases. Missing court isn't just a delay, it leads to more serious consequences. For those using theft bailbonds services in Delaware, skipping court can lead to financial loss, legal trouble, and even more charges.
Bail bond services help people accused of
theft get out of jail before trial. But once released, the responsibility to
return lies on the person charged. Courts, bondsmen, and co-signers are all
affected if someone doesn’t show up.
Understanding the Basics of Theft
Bail Bonds
Bail bonds act as a safety net. When someone
is arrested for theft, a bail amount is set. This amount ensures they return to
court. If they can’t pay it, a bail bond company steps in.
The bail bond company pays the full amount to
the court and charges a small percentage as a fee. The person is then released.
But skipping court breaks the agreement, and that’s where things go wrong.
Legal Trouble Gets Worse
The court doesn’t ignore missed appearances. A
bench warrant is issued immediately. That means police now have the right to
arrest the person again. This time, getting bail may be harder or even denied.
Also, skipping court may bring new charges.
These are called “failure to appear” offenses. That means more legal problems
on top of the theft case. Penalties become steeper, and outcomes become more
serious.
Financial Risks for Everyone
Involved
When the defendant disappears, the bail bond
company is responsible for the full bail amount. This can be thousands of
dollars. That’s why many companies send recovery agents, also known as bounty
hunters, to find and return the person.
The co-signer also faces major financial risk.
If a family member or friend helped sign the bond, they might lose money or
property. This puts pressure on relationships and personal finances.
Damage to Trust and Reputation
Beyond the court and money issues, skipping
court affects how the person is seen. It sends a message that they can’t be
trusted. Employers, schools, and even family may lose faith in someone who runs
from legal duties.
For the co-signer, it may also damage their
name with bail bond companies and the court. Future help from legal services
could become harder to get.
Bail Bond Agents Can Take Action
Bail bond agents don’t wait long once a person
skips court. They may contact the person or send someone to locate them. Many
agents have legal rights to arrest the person and return them to jail.
This process is legal. It’s part of the
agreement signed when bail is posted. Agents use court documents, addresses,
and phone records to find people. And once found, the process to re-arrest is
fast.
Court Will Reschedule... But With
Penalties
Sometimes, the court may allow the person to
explain why they missed court. But that doesn’t cancel the damage. The judge
may raise bail, deny release, or give new charges. Even if the original theft
case was minor, missing court makes it worse.
Some cases may allow a new hearing, especially
with a valid reason. But this is not always offered. It depends on the judge,
the legal history, and the seriousness of the theft.
Possible Jail Time Increases
Skipping court doesn’t just add charges. It
can increase time in jail. A person who may have faced a short sentence or
probation might now be looking at longer jail time. The judge sees skipping
court as avoiding the law, and punishment grows from there.
Bail can be denied completely the second time
around. That means waiting for the case in jail instead of at home. The court’s
goal is to prevent it from happening again.
What Can Be Done After Missing
Court?
Sometimes people panic or forget court dates.
If that happens, it’s better to contact a lawyer or the bail bond company right
away. Turning yourself in and asking for a new date may show the court that
you’re taking responsibility.
The longer someone hides, the worse the
result. Bail bond agents can help guide next steps, but the longer the delay,
the fewer options there are.
Final Conclusions
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