Measures to Consider When Bail Has Been Skipped
It is a huge mistake to skip out on a court date when someone is out of jail. Not only will a warrant be issued immediately for that person’s arrest but they will not get the benefit of bail a second time. Skipping bail is an effective way to make a bad situation worse and most of the time it is the friends and family members who receive the brunt of the repercussions since they were the ones who bail the person out in the first place.
Bail is a great way to get out of jail time, prepare for the case in an effective fashion with the help of a professional bail bondsman, maintain existing jobs and take care of personal matters – so when bail is skipped, it means trouble and the perpetrator might not be able to enjoy his/her freedom for long. In this case, there are a few points that the friends and family members of the individual concerned should realize.
Never Harbour a Person Who Has Skipped Bail
Harbouring a person who has skipped bail is a crime since they are technically fugitives and you could get yourself in trouble if you decide to do so. The person might get you to see his/her way of thinking by stating that it’s only a simple favour but you need to understand that you might risk getting thrown in jail for your actions. Thus, it is extremely important that you ponder the outcome and then proceed in a logical manner by not providing them with any shelter.
Discuss the Problem with a Bail Bondsman
If their defendant skips out on the fixed court date, the bail bondsman might face financial liability and so it is your responsibility to ensure that there is no way for them to associate you with the crime. The best way to do so is:
- Get in touch with the bail bondsman on your own volition right away when you hear that your friend or family member has skipped bail.
- Let them know all the details and if you can, provide them with information about the person’s current whereabouts.
- Assist both the bail bondsman and the police any way you can to look for the person. They might turn up at your home frequently to ask questions and you should comply with them in every way.
You should never think for a second that the police or the bail bondsman is suspecting you of harbouring the person. They are only doing so as you know the person close enough to have sprung for their bail from jail in the first place.
