The legal implications of bail bond forfeiture can be severe. Beyond the financial loss, the defendant may face additional charges for failing to appear in court, complicating their legal situation.
Bond forfeiture means that the person loses the guarantee made by the bail bond company on their behalf. There are some circumstances in which the judge might excuse the accused for missing court and bail or bond can be reinstated.
In a civil forfeiture hearing, the government must prove by a “preponderance of the evidence” the property is legally subjected to be forfeited, which means it was gained from criminal activity, or that the property was involved in an illegal transaction.
A bond forfeiture case is filed when a misdemeanor defendant failed to appear for a hearing or trial. If an answer is not filed in a timely fashion, the plaintiff may take a default judgment. For case information or citation inquiries, contact our Bond Forfeiture Department at 210-335-2237.
Bail bonds and personal bonds are forfeited in the following manner: The name of the defendant shall be called distinctly at the courthouse door, and if the defendant does not appear within a reasonable time after such call is made, judgment shall be entered that the State of Texas recover of the defendant the amount ...
Legal Consequences of Bail Bond Forfeiture This financial penalty is intended to reinforce the importance of court appearances. Additionally, the court may issue a bench warrant for the defendant's arrest, leading to further legal trouble and potential jail time.
If you start communication with both your bondsman and the court as soon as possible, your court date will, in most cases, be reset, and the forfeiture of your bond will be recalled. However, if you do not get back in touch with your bondsman or the courts, the warrant for your arrest will remain active.
A bond forfeiture case is filed when a misdemeanor defendant failed to appear for a hearing or trial. If an answer is not filed in a timely fashion, the plaintiff may take a default judgment.