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.
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.
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.
(4)(a) When a bond is forfeited, the clerk shall transmit the bond and any affidavits to the clerk of the circuit court in which the bond and affidavits are filed. The clerk of the circuit court shall record the forfeiture in the deed or official records book.
Understanding the New Law: This means that judges are now required to consider alternatives such as pretrial supervision, electronic monitoring, or personal recognizance before resorting to monetary bail. The aim is to ensure that pretrial release decisions are based on risk assessment rather than financial ability.
Florida Statute Section 903.0471 gives the judge the power, on its own motion, to revoke pretrial release and to order pretrial detention if the judge determines that there is probable cause to believe that the defendant committed a new crime while on pretrial release.