"Skipping bail" is a phrase you might hear in criminal law, but do you know what it means? If you have never gone through an arrest and criminal process, you might not fully understand it. You will need to learn it, though, if you ever get arrested and must face the criminal law process for your charges. Here is an explanation of what this means and the top reasons you should not do it.

The Definition of Skipping Bail

The term "skipping bail" is not a favorable phrase. When a person gets out of jail through bail, the court and jail let the person out of jail before completing the criminal law process. Courts and jails allow this in exchange for the person's promise to follow through with the legal process. When a person gets out on bail and does not follow through with the legal process, they call it "skipping bail". Skipping bail typically results from a person failing to show up to court for a hearing on the criminal matter. When the judge sees that the person failed to come to this hearing, they will state that the person skipped bail. Some judges give defendants a few days to show up to court, but others do not offer an extension.

The Effects of Skipping Bail

Skipping bail results in more problems for the defendant. The first consequence the person faces comes from the court. The court has the legal right and duty to issue an arrest warrant for anyone who skips bail. As a result, you can go back to jail for skipping your court hearings. Additionally, the court can impose harsher charges or consequences to you for failing to abide by the court's orders in this matter. Secondly, the bail bonds agent has the legal right to act after a person skips bail. When the bail bond agent assisted you with your release, you agreed to follow the rules. Failing to follow the rules will result in you owing money to the bail bond agent. You might have to pay the full bond amount that the agent paid, or you might have to pay more.

The most cost-effective way to get out of jail is by hiring a bail bond agent. When you hire one, make sure you know their expectations and rules, and follow them. You can learn more about these services by contacting an agent in your area.