In cases where a citation has been issued, the person cited (the defendant) may, with permission of the court, voluntarily agree to waive any court appearances and instead simply agree to voluntarily forfeit the recommended bail amount.
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.
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 bail is forfeited when a defendant fails to appear, without sufficient excuse, for arraignment, trial, judgment, or any occasion prior to the pronouncement of judgment if the defendant's presence in court is legally required, or if the defendant fails to surrender in execution of the judgment after appeal.
Forfeited undertaking. (a) General rule. --If a defendant in a criminal prosecution fails to appear for any scheduled court proceeding, the defendant's bail may be revoked and notice of revocation shall serve as notice of intent to forfeit the bail of the defendant.