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When you’re released on bail, it’s under the condition that you’ll follow the requirements set by the court or your bail bondsman. That’s part of the agreement that you’ve signed, and you’re compelled to follow it as such. One of the most common requirements is that you have to check in regularly, with your bail bondsman. This is so they know that you’re still in town and that you haven’t tried to run away to another state or country. However, it also gives you the opportunity to discuss any issues or ask questions to make your situation clearer.
But what if you happen to forget about your check-in? What if you miss a date when you were supposed to contact your bail bondsman? Depending on the circumstances, it could encourage legal action if you’re not careful.
Why Do Bail Bondsmen Require You to Check In Regularly?
It’s important to remember what a bail bondsman actually does. Bail bondsmen are individuals or companies that offer surety bonds to the court on your behalf. This is to ensure that you’ll appear for your scheduled court date. Simply put, they’ll pay for your bail and your end of the bargain is to appear in court when required. However, this service does cost a fee which is usually up to 10% of the bail amount.
But as a part of this deal, bail bondsmen will request that you check in with them on a regular basis. The purpose of these check-ins is to track where you are, your current situation, and that you’re abiding by any conditions set as a result of your release from jail. You’re essentially required to check in so that the bail bondsmen can keep an eye on you.
Bail bondsmen have an interest in tracking you because if you fail to show up to court, the bail amount will be forfeited and the bail bondsmen won’t be able to claim back the amount they paid for your bail. As you can imagine, this creates serious problems for the bail bondsman because they could be losing a serious amount of money. As such, they have an interest in keeping an eye on you at all times to ensure you don’t try to skip town or evade your court date.
What Happens if You Fail to Check-in With Your Bail Bondsman?
If you fail to check in with your bail bondsman then you can expect several consequences as a result.
A Warrant for Your Arrest Will Be Issued
You are legally required to attend court, so failing to check in with your bail bondsman may trigger red flags because they’ll assume you’re trying to skip town. This can lead to a warrant for your arrest, which means you’ll be detained and brought before the court.
Your Bonds Will Be Forfeited
Not only does your bail bondsman potentially lose money due to your bail amount being harder to recover, but you may also lose money if you used any collateral to secure your release as payment to the bail bondsman. For instance, if the fee for their services is too high to pay in money, then you may put up property or assets to serve as collateral. By forfeiting your bond, you also forfeit any collateral used in the deal.
Your Bail Amount Could Be Increased
If you fail to be compliant with the bail bondsman’s terms, then it could lead the court to increase your bail amount if you want to be released again.
What To Do if You Accidentally Miss a Bail Bond Check-in
Not everyone that misses a bail bond check-in does it on purpose. Sometimes you may be physically unable to make a check-in, or it could be due to an honest mistake. If you miss a check-in, then it’s important to take action as soon as possible to reduce the chances of action being taken.
Contact Your Bail Bondsman Immediately
Don’t wait to get in touch with a bail bondsman. Make absolutely sure you contact them as soon as possible and let them know what the situation is. If you call immediately, then it’s highly likely that no action will be taken. However, they may ask why you were late to the check-in. If required, you’ll be able to change the check-in schedule so that it’s easier for you to make it. This could happen if the current check-in time conflicts with your work or life responsibilities.
Be Honest When Speaking to Your Bail Bondsman
If you’ve made an honest mistake, even a stupid one, then it’s best to be truthful when speaking to your bail bondsman. If you’re transparent, explain the situation, and provide evidence of your claims if needed, then your bail bondsman will work together with you to resolve any issues. For instance, if you need financial assistance or have medical issues that make it hard for you to check in, then it’s best to let them know.
Seeking Legal Representation
If you’re too late to your check-in and a warrant has already been issued, then it’s important to seek legal assistance to navigate the surrendering process. This can create serious complications and will affect your bail significantly. As such, it’s best to immediately seek legal representation and have an attorney communicate with the courts and bail bonds company to mitigate any problems in the future.
Conclusion
No matter what stage of the bail process you’re at, it’s vital that you remain as transparent and up-to-date as possible with your bail bondsman. Checking in with them is a vital part of the process, and you’re obligated to do so once you enter an agreement with them. Failing to do so can lead to significant consequences that will affect your life in many different ways.
Even if you do make a mistake, it’s a good idea to speak to your bail bondsman or attorney as soon as possible to mitigate the consequences.
