Failing to make a court date after posting bail can result in serious consequences. In many cases, defendants jump or skip bail by leaving the city or state where they were supposed to appear in court.
When a defendant doesn’t make their court hearing, the judge may issue an arrest warrant. Law enforcement will be notified of your actions, which means a simple traffic violation, or any other type of criminal detainment can lead to your arrest.
In addition, your driver’s license may be suspended, which can make it difficult to commute to work, attend school, make important appointments, or run household errands. The court will not lift the suspension until you appear.
You could also be charged with a separate offense of failure to appear. If you fail to appear in court after being charged with a misdemeanor in Ohio, it is a first-degree misdemeanor offense that carries a maximum 180-day jail term and a fine of up to $1,000. If you fail to appear in court after being charged with a felony offense, it is a fourth-degree felony, which is punishable by a maximum 18-month prison sentence and a fine no more than $5,000.
If you already posted bail, the court could raise the amount you would have to pay for your bond. If you were released on your own recognizance (without having to pay a bail bond), the court will request you pay a bond when you’re returned to custody.
If a family member or a friend posted bail on your behalf, they will either must pay the entire bond amount or forfeit any property used as collateral.
For more information about bail bonds in Ohio, contact Andy Callif Bail Bonds at (614) 945-4334 today.