Release on bond or bail is sometimes limited to certain less serious offenses. However, a lot of people have gotten out of jail even for more serious charges in waiting. It just takes a Long Beach criminal defense attorney to negotiate skillfully. Problems set in when you break the rules of your bail.
Just like violating the rules of probation, there are consequences for going against your bail or bond terms. Depending on the incident that led to the violation, you could lose your privileges, or have them restored if you can justify the actions. A bail information defense lawyer in Long Beach can guide you on the proper steps to take after breaking those rules.
Can I be Arrested for Breaking Bond Rules? In California
Your bail requirements aren’t only limited to the requirement of going back to court as scheduled. There is much more to it. Defendants might have to agree to several other conditions for release, which should be adhered to in equal measure. They might include:
- Travel limitations
- Not being involved in any other crime
- Avoiding contact with witnesses or victims of the alleged crime
- Meeting the court-appointed supervisor at scheduled intervals
- Looking for work if unemployed
Should you break any of the rules prescribed in the bail hearing, the judge might issue a “bench warrant” that can have you arrested in Orange County. It is also what the bondsman needs to hire a professional to fetch you.
It is advisable to always keep in touch with a bail information law firm that can break down the bail requirements, and give you reminders to keep you out of trouble. Sometimes, not being too sure about something can give you problems that might come with an arrest warrant.
What Happens to the Bail Company if I Break the Rules?
When your Long Beach bail information law firm finds a bail company that agrees to bail you out, the company takes up some responsibilities. Signing the bail bond contract with you means that they:
- Will make sure that you show up to every court date
- Will be willing to pay additional fees if you fail to show up in court
- Will pay the original amount of bail set by the court, if you cannot be located
You might have missed the court date because of extenuating circumstances such as a car breakdown or a sick child. But if you fail to communicate, the bond company might decide to hire a fugitive recovery agent to bring you back to court. This is to avoid additional costs on their part.
And if the collateral was registered, for instance, real estate or a pink slip, they might be used to pay the bond and might not be returned. A Long Beach bail information law firm usually advises defendants on the best way to secure bail in Orange County.
Can the Cosigner of My Bond Get Off if I Break the Rules?
If someone you know offers to be the signee when you are arrested and need to get out on bail. And due to the quick timing and the anxiety around the bail process, they might not read and process the information regarding their responsibilities.
As long as the bond is active, the “signer” will be fully responsible for the amount of bail set at face value. Remember that a bailer is usually a person that knows you better than the bondsman, and they cannot change their mind once they sign the bond agreement for you.
Usually, the bonds company will try and collect from the defendant first. But if they cannot recover it, they will make the cosigner responsible for paying the bond amount. Cosigning is a huge responsibility, but most people do not realize it.
So, if you break the rules on bail, you will be putting the friend or loved one at personal and financial risks. But once you fulfill all your court-mandated responsibilities, the signer will have no more responsibilities on you.
What are the Consequences of Breaking Bail Rules in California?
When the court decides to send an officer to look for you, you might be set up for some harsh consequences. If you are taken in, you can be charged for a second offense. Additionally, your bail might be revoked, and you will go back to jail to await trial.
If someone had put their property as collateral, bail revocation could mean that they lose out on it. The same can happen to the funds placed on bail. Note that this might not happen if you appear within 180 days of the notice of bail forfeiture.
Remember, simply appearing within that time is not enough. It would be better if you showed up with a satisfactory explanation on why you did not appear on the initially scheduled date. It could be that you were held in another jurisdiction or dealing with insanity, severe illness, or disability.
The bail posted will thereafter be released after the case is concluded through:
- Being committed to custody after an adverse verdict
- The court declaring you incompetent for trial
- The court ordering you into a drug diversion program
- Conclusion of a case
Note that, if you are required to pay fines or restitution, the bail might be used for that purpose, and it will not be released to you. A knowledgeable Long Beach bail information defense lawyer can provide more information on this, and how to maneuver the process.
Skilled Legal Guidance from a Seasoned Criminal Defense Lawyer
Life can be very unpredictable, and you wouldn’t know whether you’ll fall ill on the day of trial, or if you will be held in another jurisdiction on the day you are needed in court. Therefore, you don’t have to strain, or refuse to attend to other emergencies, just to appear in court.
It is allowed to break the rules for a good course, and the court can excuse you for it. A defense attorney in Long Beach can represent you and make sure that you are heard and understood. Talk to us today, and let us help you put things back in order.
