If you have been arrested and are awaiting trial, you may be tempted to skip bail and flee the jurisdiction. After all, what could be worse than sitting in a cell for weeks or months on end, right?
Unfortunately, the ramifications of skipping bail are far worse than enduring a temporary inconvenience. In this blog post, we will explore the short-term, mid-term, and long-term consequences of skipping bail so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to do so.
Short-Term Consequences
The short-term consequences of skipping bail are relatively minor. If you are caught, the court will likely revoke your bail and issue a warrant for your arrest. This means that you will be taken into custody and will have to await your trial in jail. Additionally, you may be required to pay a higher bail amount if you are caught and try to get out of jail a second time.
Mid-Term Consequences
The mid-term consequences of skipping bail are more serious. If you are caught and convicted of fleeing the jurisdiction, you will likely be sentenced to additional time in jail.
Additionally, if you are convicted of a crime while you are on the run, you will be charged with that crime in addition to the original charges against you. This means that you will have two separate criminal cases against you when you are finally apprehended.
What makes this of greater concern is the fact that it’s so much easier for these issues to snowball. Once you skip bail, law enforcement officers are made aware that they’ve got a flight risk on their hands. They are more likely to “throw the book” at you once they catch you with every possible charge they can think of.
On the Life front, it can negatively affect your relationships, both personal and professional. When you skip bail, you’re putting your loved ones in a precarious position, and you’re gift-wrapping an excuse for your employer to fire you without any repercussions. (Forget about unemployment!)
Long-Term Consequences
The long-term consequences of skipping bail can be life-altering. If you are a fugitive from justice, it will be very difficult for you to find employment or housing. You may also have difficulty traveling internationally.
Additionally, if you are caught and convicted of fleeing the jurisdiction, it will go on your criminal record and may make it difficult for you to find employment or housing in the future. And any future run-ins with the law are going to make it that much more difficult to even be considered for bail.
So What If You Legitimately Cannot Make Your Court Date?
If you are unable to make your court date, you should contact your attorney as soon as possible and let them know. Depending on the circumstances, they may be able to request a new court date or have the original one rescheduled.
Under no circumstances should you try to flee the jurisdiction. Not only is it a bad idea, but as we’ve seen, the consequences can be significant. If you find yourself in this situation, the best thing you can do is contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights.
Skipping Bail Should Never Be Considered If You Are Serious About Your Case
As you can see, the ramifications of skipping bail can be significant. If you cannot make your court date, it is important to contact your attorney or the court so that alternative arrangements can be made. Fleeing the jurisdiction is not worth the risk; it is better to face the consequences of your actions head-on than to try to evade them altogether.
Perhaps the most gut-wrenching thing in all this is that it’s not even necessary. The bail process is affordable, fast, and your best chance at building a defense that either exonerates you or mitigates the damages. You just need the right team in your corner.
For the last 30 years, PCS Bail Bonds have been that team. We’ve helped countless people smoothly navigate what would otherwise be an administrative nightmare for them and provide hope and confidence in the adage of living to fight another day. We can do the same for you. Contact us today to learn more or get the process underway!