Bail bond conditions are a list of requirements you must comply with to remain free after arrest. These include attending required court dates and abiding by additional rules such as:
- Observing curfews and travel restrictions
- Refraining from committing any crimes while on bail
- Maintaining the required relationships between the courts and bondsmen
Bail bond violations occur when you violate these conditions, and the courts find out about it. Because of this, you’ll want to avoid them where possible. Courts respond robustly to bail bond violations and can punish you for what seems like minor oversights (such as being five minutes late for a hearing). Therefore, you should always work with a bail agent and attorney to ensure you do what you need to do to avoid problems.
Understanding Bail Bond Violations
Bail bond violations are serious, and authorities will impose various sanctions on you if you don’t comply. Therefore, it is essential to understand them.
That’s the purpose of this post. It explores some of the consequences of violating bail bonds, what happens once you get found out, and what to do in the event of a violation.
Consequences of Violating Bail Bonds
What to do if someone violates bail bonds? It’s a common question we get.
As noted above, the consequences can be unpleasant, so avoiding violations in the first place is better. California law does provide some protection for unavoidable circumstances, but these are rare.
Re-arrest
The most likely outcome of a bail bond violation is re-arrest. Upon discovering any rule-breaking, authorities will almost always find you can return you to jail.
Forfeiture Of Bail Money
What happens to bail money if the person violates the conditions of a bond?
You guessed it: courts will refuse to pay cash back. That means you or the bail bond company could be out of pocket. (Bail agents will try to recover their losses from you to reduce their liability).
Increased Bail
Furthermore, judges may insist on increased bail if you break your bail terms. Therefore, you may lose your initial bail and have to pay a higher second bail to cover the increased risk.
Stricter Release Conditions
You are also likely to face stricter release conditions. Courts may forbid you from traveling out of California or require you to wear an electronic ankle bracelet to track your position.
Criminal Chargers
Another consequence of violating bail conditions is additional criminal charges. For instance, refusal to attend court could lead to perjury, while committing assaults will lead to new felony charges.
Denial Of Future Bail
Finally, failing to adhere to bail terms could mean outright denial of bail. Judges may deem releasing you too risky and decide to keep you in your jail cell until your trial.
Bail Money and Violations: What Happens Next?
We already discussed what happens if you break a bail bond. Now, we look at what might happen if you skip court hearings or break the rules.
First, bail agents will try to apprehend you and take you to court. Getting you there on time prevents you from forfeiting your bail.
If you work with a bail agent, store their number in your phone and watch for calls. Agents will phone you to remind you about appointments, hearings, and rules and what you need to do next.
Next, the court will hold a hearing (if they discover you violated a bail condition). Judges will rule on whether you breached the violation and what should happen next.
At this stage, police will likely arrest and take you into custody. You may have to remain in jail until your trial unless you can negotiate new bail terms. If the court finds you guilty of the original charges, they could take bail breaches into account when sentencing. The more violations, the worse the punishment.
Dealing with a Violation of Bail Bonds
Dealing with bail bond violations is challenging. If you notice you have made a mistake, always speak to your attorney or bail agent first. Legal professionals can provide confidential guidance on how to proceed.
Similarly, if you know the defendant, you should speak to them first or call their bail agent for advice. Bail agents can talk to the charged person directly and rectify the situation.
Never assist someone in violating their bail conditions. That’s a felony.
If you are the defendant and violated bail conditions, prepare to cooperate with the legal process. While this situation might be challenging, California courts permit various defenses. (For example, judges will forgive missing a court hearing due to a medical emergency, such as being taken to hospital after a car accident). Again, you should speak to an attorney about the steps to avoid bail forfeiture.
Remember, it affects everyone involved if you break your bail conditions, including your co-signer and the bail bond company. Co-signers won’t get any bail money back, and agents will be out of pocket and may pursue you for restitution.
Reporting Bail Bond Violations: Steps to Take
If you think you violated the terms of your bail bond, speak to your attorney or call your bail agent for advice. Professionals can provide guidance based on the situation, telling you what to do next.
Always be upfront and host with professionals about your situation. This approach makes it easier for them to help you.
Now You Know Bail Bond Violations Are
This post answered the question: what does violation of bail bond mean? Essentially, it is when you break the rules of your bail, whatever they happen to be.
Violating a bail bond is a severe offense, and courts will often take extreme action against you. Therefore, always follow the legal process.
If you aren’t sure what to do, call our team at Balboa Bail Bonds. We can provide guidance and direction, case-by-case, and ensure you don’t face any unnecessary legal risks.
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