Skipping out on bail might seem like a good idea in the moment: Facing a criminal trial can be stressful and emotionally and mentally trying. The desire to make a run for it is strong. It is a very serious thing to do, however. If a person skips a court date while out on bail, a warrant for their arrest will be issued immediately. Often, the people who posted bail for a defendant are family members or friends – people who worked hard to get them out of jail. Getting a person back to their home, family, and job is crucial to success. It’s unfortunate that some people take advantage of friends like this. Here are a few tips you should consider if you have a family member or friend who skipped on bail.
Don’t Help Them
Often, when people skip bail, they reach out to family members or friends to hide them or provide help while they’re on the run. This isn’t something that is slightly immoral – it is a crime. Harboring and aiding someone who skipped bail is considered to be harboring a fugitive. You’ll find yourself facing criminal charges if you offer help. It might seem like they’re asking for a small favor – but nothing is further from the truth. Don’t help them in any way, or you’ll risk your own arrest.
Contact the Bail Bonds Agent
If you worked with a bail bondsman to get your loved one out of jail, contact the bail agent immediately. That’s because the bail agent will likely be held responsibility and financial liability for your friend’s actions. Call the bail bondsman and let them know the situation – that your friend has skipped bail – and that you didn’t have anything to do with it. You want to disassociate yourself from the situation. Let them know you will help them in any way, and provide any information you may have.
Posting Bail for a Friend? Be Sure You Trust Them
If you have a family member or friend in jail, and you want to work with a bail bondsman to get them out of jail, stop and think: Do you trust your loved one? You may like or even love them, but those feelings are very different from trust. You can love someone, but know they aren’t reliable, and are likely to skip out on bail. It’s better to not post bail for these types of people, as you can be held responsible as the co-signer on the bond. If a loved one skipped bail and is on the loose, it is likely the police and a bail bondsman/bounty hunter are looking for them. Be helpful to the authorities, and don’t commit a crime by harboring or aiding them. If you have any questions abut bail bonds and how they work , contact one of our helpful bail agents to walk you through the process and help you get a loved one out of jail.
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