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.
In some states and certain counties in California, bail forfeiture can be used as both a means to be released from jail and to close a case. Bail forfeitable offenses are typically misdemeanors such as traffic violations.
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.
In California, if you are a co-signer and you wish to revoke a bail bond, you will need to contact the bail bond agency and explain the situation. You will need to liaise with the bail bond company and ensure that the relevant courts are aware of the changes to make the decision official.
Bail information is considered public record in the State of California, meaning that anyone (not only defendants themselves) can request this info. The details can be accessed via the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system or the Criminal Intake Section.