What Happens if Someone Skips Court After You Bail Them Out?
When someone you care about is arrested, one of the first calls you might make is to a bail bond agency. At You Call Bail Bond Agency, we understand that posting bail is often an emotional decision made under stressful circumstances. But what many people don’t fully realize is that helping someone get out of jail comes with serious legal and financial responsibilities—especially if they fail to appear in court.
In the bail bond world, this is known as "skipping bail," and it’s a situation that can lead to complications for both the defendant and the co-signer. If you're thinking about co-signing a bond or already have, it’s important to understand what happens when someone you bailed out doesn’t show up to court—and what options you have to protect yourself.
Understanding What It Means to “Skip Bail”
Skipping bail refers to a defendant's failure to appear in court at the date and time scheduled by the court. When someone is released from jail on bond, they're making a legal agreement that they’ll return for all required court proceedings. This agreement is made not only with the court but also with the bail bond agency and, by extension, anyone who co-signed their bond.
When that agreement is broken—either intentionally or because of poor planning—it’s considered a failure to appear, or FTA. At that point, the situation becomes more than just a missed appointment. It becomes a legal violation with serious consequences.
What Happens Immediately After the Court Date Is Missed?
As soon as a defendant misses a scheduled court date, the judge will usually issue a bench warrant for their arrest. This warrant authorizes law enforcement to locate and arrest the individual at any time. In most cases, the court will also notify the bail bond agency that the person has failed to appear.
Once You Call Bail Bond Agency is made aware of the FTA, we begin working immediately to resolve the situation. The reason for this urgency is simple: when someone skips court, the bond is at risk of being forfeited. If we can’t return the defendant to custody within a set amount of time (often 30 days in Michigan), we may be required to pay the full bail amount to the court. And when that happens, we may turn to the co-signer to recover those funds.
Your Role as a Co-Signer
If you co-signed a bail bond, you made a financial and legal commitment on behalf of the person you helped release. That commitment includes ensuring they show up to court as required. It’s important to understand that the 10% fee you paid to the bail bond agency is non-refundable, and it's just a portion of the total bail amount. If the defendant skips court and cannot be found or returned to custody, you could be responsible for paying the full bail amount, plus any associated costs we incur while attempting to locate them.
For example, if the bail was set at $10,000 and you paid $1,000 as the 10% premium, you could be on the hook for the remaining $9,000 if the defendant disappears and the court requires us to satisfy the full bond.
This is why we work closely with co-signers to provide guidance and support. We don’t want anyone to be blindsided by their obligations. Our team is always available to explain the risks and responsibilities that come with signing a bond.
Is There Any Way to Fix the Situation?
Yes—and acting quickly is key.
If the defendant misses court but makes contact with the court or our agency right away, it may be possible to reschedule the court appearance and avoid forfeiting the bond. Judges understand that emergencies happen—illness, transportation issues, or even miscommunication can lead to an unintentional failure to appear. In many cases, the court will issue a new date and cancel the warrant if the issue is addressed quickly and in good faith.
If the defendant does not contact us or the court, and efforts to locate them are unsuccessful, the bond may be forfeited. At that point, the co-signer becomes financially liable for the full amount. In some cases, the bail bond agency may pursue legal action to recover the funds or collateral that was secured during the bond process.
What Can You Do to Prevent Someone From Skipping Court?
If you’re thinking about co-signing a bond—or already have—there are several ways you can protect yourself:
Stay in regular contact with the defendant. Make sure they know when and where their court dates are and that they understand how serious it is to attend them.
Help them stay organized. Life can get busy, and court dates can slip through the cracks. Remind them to mark their calendar, request time off work if necessary, and plan transportation in advance.
Call us if you’re concerned. If you have any doubts about whether the defendant will show up, it’s better to speak with us sooner rather than later. In some cases, we can work with the court to help the defendant turn themselves in and avoid further complications.
Know your rights. As a co-signer, you may have the option to request that the bond be revoked if you believe the defendant is a flight risk or will not comply with their court obligations.
How We Help at You Call Bail Bond Agency
At You Call Bail Bond Agency, we don’t just post bonds—we work with our clients through every stage of the process. We know that co-signing for a friend or family member can be a difficult decision, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our team is committed to giving you the information you need, answering your questions clearly, and helping you navigate challenges if they arise.
If someone you bailed out has missed court, don’t panic—but don’t wait either. The sooner we’re informed, the better chance we have of resolving the situation in a way that avoids serious financial consequences for you.
We’re here 24/7 to take your call, answer your questions, and help you protect both your investment and your peace of mind.
Serving Detroit, Wayne County, and the Surrounding Communities
We proudly serve clients throughout Detroit and the greater Wayne County area. Whether you’re posting bail for the first time or dealing with a complex legal situation, our experienced team is here to provide fast, respectful, and reliable support.
If you have questions about a missed court date, co-signer responsibilities, or the bail process in general, contact You Call Bail Bond Agency today.