If you bail someone out and they run, what happens is that you may be financially responsible for the full bail amount, depending on the type of bond and the agreement you signed. If a Columbus bail bondsman was used, then they may pursue you for the full amount under the bond agreement.
However, there are steps you can take to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Below, we’ll go over what happens with these scenarios and how you can protect yourself if facing this situation yourself.
A Bond Is a Legal Contract
You agree to a legal contract when you sign a bail bond. Signing a bail bond essentially means that you are promising an individual will show up to court; this means the bonding agency guarantees the defendant’s appearance in court and remains financially liable if they fail to appear.
Keep in mind that missing a court date isn’t always the end of the world. In many instances, the individual’s court date can be rescheduled due to illness or unforeseen life events.
And so, if the person you bailed out didn’t show up at the first scheduled court date, don’t panic; get in touch with them, their friends or family, or their criminal defense lawyer (if they have legal representation) as soon as you can.
Call (614) 221-0100 today to speak with our experienced Ohio bail bondsman!
What Happens if You Bail Someone Out of Jail in a Normal Situation?
For a situation where a person doesn’t run, you may be curious what happens when you sign a bond for someone, and they stay.
In this scenario, as long as the person you bailed out attended their court dates and followed any conditions set by the court, the bail bond will be exonerated once the legal proceedings conclude. If you paid the full bail amount in cash directly to the court, the court will typically refund that money to you (the person who posted it) once the case is resolved.
If you used an Ohio bail bondsman or a local bail bondsman’s services, that initial payment to them is non-refundable. However, you may choose to seek personal reimbursement from the defendant for the cost of the bond if you have a private agreement with them.
What Happens if You Sign a Bond and They Run?
Unfortunately, some people will opt to go on the run after being freed from jail. This is bad news for both the person on the run and the individual who is responsible for posting their bail bond.
Potential Consequences for the Person Posting Bail
You can be civilly liable in these cases, which means you may be responsible for additional costs, depending on the bond agreement. For example, they may need to hire a bounty hunter to locate the defendant.
In the event that the individual isn’t found within a certain time period, you may be required to pay the full bail amount if the bond is forfeited and the defendant is not returned within the allowed time. This can lead to financial trouble, to say the least.
Signers who used collateral instead of money to secure the bail bond are in even more danger. They could potentially lose real estate, cars, and other property.
Potential Consequences for the Defendant
There can be a wide range of consequences for the defendant depending on the legal case they are facing:
- A bench warrant will be issued: The first thing that will likely happen is that if a defendant misses a court date, a bench warrant will be issued. This ensures that law enforcement can bring the defendant back into custody if they cross paths with that person.
- Additional criminal charges tacked on: Failing to appear in court can lead to new criminal charges, often referred to as “failure to appear.” These charges are separate from the original case and can result in additional fines, penalties, or even jail time.
- Forfeit of the bail bond contract: When a defendant does not show up for court, the bail bond may be forfeited. This means the full bail amount becomes due. If a bail bondsman was used, the person who signed the bond agreement (the indemnitor) may be responsible for repaying the full amount and could lose any collateral that was put up to secure the bond.
Contact our bail bondsman today at (614) 221-0100 to get your bail bond now!
What Steps to Take After You’ve Bailed Someone Out and They Run
If someone you bailed out fails to appear in court, it’s important to act quickly to protect yourself financially and legally:
- Contact the bail bondsman immediately: If you used a bondsman to help get your defendant out of jail, it’s essential to let them know exactly what is going on.
- Try to reach the defendant: If it feels safe to do so, try to get in touch with the individual and encourage them to turn themselves in.
- Gather relevant information: Provide the bondsman with any details you have about the defendant’s possible location or recent activity.
- Understand your financial responsibility: Review the bond agreement so you are aware of your obligations, including potential repayment of the full bail amount or loss of collateral.
- Consider legal help: Depending on the situation, speaking with an attorney may help you better understand your rights and options moving forward with the bond process.
Taking prompt action can make a significant difference in limiting the financial and legal impact if someone you bailed out does not comply with court requirements.
Our bail bondsman is available 24/7. Call us at (614) 221-0100
Making the Decision for a Bail Bond
Understandably, no one wants their loved one to spend unnecessary time in jail; however, before you sign a contract for bail, it is important to assess the defendant’s flight risk and remember that the premium paid to a bail bondsman is a non-refundable fee.
The good news is that the vast majority of individuals who post bail comply with all court requirements and attend every hearing. However, it is important to remember that the payment to a bail bondsman is non-refundable regardless of the case outcome.
If you need any help or have questions, be sure to contact us. Our Columbus bail bondsman is dedicated to helping individuals in difficult situations return home to their families.
Our Ohio bail bondsman is available 24/7, call us (614) 221-0100!