Bail bonds are critical financial tools to reduce the cost of busting out of jail and returning to your regular life.
Usually, bail bond agencies will ask you to pay a non-refundable fee upfront while you are in jail. Then, they will post bail on your behalf, securing your release.
However, sometimes, you can pay the non-refundable fee on finance. Here, you pay a small downpayment (or none at all) and then repay a lender monthly for three to six months while you await trial. (The lender pays the money you borrow to the bail agency upfront).
The question is this: does failing to make these payments result in jail time in California? Let’s find out.
Consequences of Non-Payment: Jail Time?
In California, you won’t go to jail for failing to pay fees associated with a bail bond. However, there are various financial repercussions for non-payment.
First, lenders may use collection agents to recover lost money by sending bailiffs to your home or asking the courts to impose wage garnishments. You could also face asset seizures, where debt collection agencies take your property and sell it to recoup their losses.
Damaged credit is a risk, too. Lenders will pass non-payment information onto credit bureaus, making it more challenging to obtain financing or mortgages later on.
Lenders could even bring a civil lawsuit against you to recover funds. These involve returning to court, even if juries acquit you of the original charges against you.
The Impact of Unpaid Bail on Your Freedom
Naturally, failing to pay bail bond lenders can have consequences for your freedom. Again, you won’t go to jail in California immediately for failing to repay a creditor. However, the repercussions can still be unfavorable.
For example, lowering your credit score may make it more challenging to find a job if employers look at your score as part of your background check.
You might also struggle to find suitable housing. Lenders may not be willing to provide you with a mortgage if you don’t pay your debts on time.
You could also get into a cycle of debt. Interest payments on old loans might grow exponentially, forcing you into poverty or bankruptcy.
Debunking Myths: Jail Time for Unpaid Bail
While courts won’t jail you for unpaid bail, they might if you fail to attend civil court hearings. Judges could issue a warrant for your arrest for “failure to appear” (FTA).
Therefore, always attend your court dates. Don’t skip court under any circumstances, as this could cause the legal system to escalate charges against you.
Non-Payment of Bail Bonds: Know the Risks
The risks of bail bond non-payment are significant. However, you won’t usually go back to jail unless law enforcement charges you with another crime.
As a side note, many people want to know the answer to the question: how long do you stay in jail if you can’t make bail in California? That’s a different scenario and depends on whether you can pay. Usually, you will need to stay in jail indefinitely until you come up with the money. However, judges may release you on your “own recognizance,” eliminating the need to pay bail.
Talk to our team for more information on non-payment of bail bonds and the risks.
Tags: California Bail Bonds: Can You Go to Jail for Not Paying?