When a bond agent posts bail on your behalf to get a friend or family member out of jail, it acts as a guarantee that the person will show up in court. But what are the consequences if they don’t appear? The team at Ali‘i Bail Bonds, serving all of Oahu, HI, has shared a guide on what happens when someone dodges bail and how to handle it.

What Should You Do If Your Loved One Jumps Bail?

Know What’s At Stake

If you use a bail agency to get someone out of jail, and they do not appear in court, everyone stands to lose. First off, your bondsman will not recover any of the money they posted on your behalf for the accused. They may then repossess any items you may have put up as collateral, such as property, vehicles, or valuables.

First Notice & Grace Period

As soon as your friend or family member misses their court date, the judge will notify the bail bond agent and issue an arrest warrant. Depending on the charges against the accused, your bond agent may be able to lobby for a grace period of up to 90 days. This will allot more time to find the defendant and turn them in to the police, which may release your bond from default.

Hire a Bounty Hunter

If your bond agent cannot locate the person for whom you posted bail, they may hire a bounty hunter. Also known as a fugitive recovery agent, this professional will pursue the defendant using legal resources and book them into custody. Afterwards, you may still have the opportunity to fill out the necessary paperwork to get your bond out of delinquency and retain ownership of collateral.

When you need a bail agent who will work hard to make sure your bond does not wind up in default, trust Ali‘i Bail Bonds. For more than 15 years, their team has offered valuable legal services to help people across Oahu get out of jail quickly. Call (808) 232-9735 to speak with a knowledgeable staff member about how to post bail for a friend or family member. Visit the website to find out more about their 24-hour services.