What Texas Defendants Should Know About Bail Forfeiture
Posting bail allows those who have been accused of a crime to await their court date at home instead of sitting in jail. The defendant must make all their mandated appearances, but if you fail to show up, the judge may order that bail be forfeited.
Reasons for Bail Forfeiture
The most common reason for forfeiture is failing to appear for arraignment, a trial date, or final sentencing hearing. The judge may also set certain conditions on your release, such as abstaining from drugs or alcohol, meeting with a probation officer, or avoiding a subsequent arrest. In some circumstances, failing to meet these conditions can also lead to losing your bail funds.
What to Do if You’ve Missed a Court Appearance
After a missed court date, the judge may issue a warrant for your arrest. Contacting the bail bond company that helped you again will be your best solution. To avoid further legal trouble and the state expense of trying to apprehend you may lessen the consequences and keep the judge from ordering the forfeiture of your bail.