Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

If you break a bond, also known as violating the terms of your bail, it can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. A bond is a legal agreement that allows a person to be released from jail while awaiting trial. In exchange, the person must follow strict conditions, such as appearing in court and avoiding further legal trouble. Breaking that agreement means you’ve failed to hold up your end of the deal.

What Happens When a Bond Is Broken

The most common way a bond is broken is by missing a court date, but it can also happen through other violations.

• A warrant is issued – If you miss court, the judge will likely issue a bench warrant for your arrest
• The bond is forfeited – The court will keep the full bail amount, even if someone else paid it
• Bond revocation – You may lose the opportunity to be released again before trial

If You Used a Bail Bondsman

When a bail bondsman is involved, they take on financial responsibility for your full bail amount. If you break the bond,

• The bondsman must pay the court – If you don’t return to court, the full amount is due from the bonding company
• They may hire a bounty hunter – Many bail agents use recovery agents to find and arrest defendants who flee
• Collateral may be seized – Any property or money used as backing for the bond could be lost
• Cosigners may be held liable – Anyone who guaranteed your bond can be sued for the amount owed

Other Consequences of Bond Violation

• New charges – Skipping bail can lead to a separate charge of failure to appear, which may be a felony
• Harsher treatment in court – Judges may be less lenient, and prosecutors may push for maximum penalties
• No more bail options – If arrested again, you may be denied bond altogether

Can You Fix a Broken Bond?

In some cases, you may be able to ask the court to reinstate your bond. This might be possible if,

• You had a legitimate emergency, such as a medical issue
• You return to court quickly and explain the situation
• You have no history of bond violations

Your attorney can file a motion and request a hearing to explain your circumstances, but success is not guaranteed.

Breaking a bond leads to serious problems, including arrest warrants, loss of money or property, and potential new criminal charges. It can damage your standing in court and make future release more difficult. If you’re out on bond, the smartest move is to follow all court instructions, stay in contact with your lawyer, and avoid risky behavior that could land you back in jail.