What Happens If You Miss a Court Date After Posting Bail?
Worried about what happens if a court date is missed after bail was posted? Here's a general overview of the typical consequences.
A missed court date is generally taken seriously
Courts typically expect strict compliance with scheduled appearances, and missing one, even accidentally, can trigger a formal response from the court and any bail bondsman involved.
A warrant may be issued
In many cases, a judge can issue a warrant for the person's arrest if they fail to appear as required, meaning law enforcement may actively look for them going forward.
Bail can be forfeited
The bail amount, whether paid in cash or secured through a bondsman, can generally be forfeited to the court when a required appearance is missed, separate from any new warrant.
A bail bondsman may take action
If a bondsman posted the bond, they generally have a financial incentive to locate the person and return them to custody, since they remain responsible for the full bail amount if the person doesn't show up.
What to do if a court date was missed
Contacting the court and any bondsman involved as soon as possible, especially if there was a genuine emergency, is generally the best first step, and an attorney can help explain options for addressing the situation.
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