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.
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.
Consequences of a Bail Forfeiture in Utah A bail forfeiture is treated as though you entered a guilty plea, and is considered to be a conviction. This conviction becomes part of your criminal record, and may show up on a background check or criminal history report.
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.