Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

A bondsman can look for you indefinitely until you are found, arrested, or the bond issue is resolved. There is no strict time limit for how long a bail bondsman can pursue someone who has skipped bail, as long as the bond remains active and the court has not officially discharged it. Once a defendant fails to appear in court, the bondsman becomes responsible for the full bond amount and is highly motivated to locate the individual.

Why Bondsmen Pursue Skipped Defendants

When a person skips bail, the bondsman faces financial loss. The court may issue a forfeiture order, meaning the entire bond amount must be paid by the bond company. To avoid that loss, bondsmen actively search for the defendant and return them to custody before the court’s deadline to forfeit the bond.

• Bondsmen often hire bounty hunters to help locate the defendant
• Most states give bondsmen a limited time often 90 to 180 days to find and return the individual before the bond is fully forfeited
• Even after forfeiture, the bondsman may still continue efforts to collect from the co-signer or reclaim collateral

Time Limits Imposed by Law

Some states have statutes that define the specific grace period allowed after a missed court date. During this period, the bondsman can bring the defendant back without paying the full bond. If they succeed, the bond is reinstated. If not, they may still pursue the person but are also responsible for paying the court.

After the grace period ends,

• The bond is considered forfeited
• The bondsman still has the right to locate and surrender the defendant
• Collection efforts may shift to the co-signer or any collateral used

What Happens When You’re Found

If the bondsman locates you after skipping bail, you can be taken back into custody without warning. They do not need a warrant to arrest you, and they can enter your property under certain conditions stated in the bond agreement. Once returned to jail, your bond may not be reinstated, and you may face additional charges or be denied future bail.

A bondsman can look for you for as long as the bond issue remains unresolved. Most actively search during the court’s grace period to avoid financial loss. After that, their legal right to pursue you remains valid, and they may continue recovery efforts or take legal action against anyone who signed for the bond. The best way to avoid long-term consequences is to appear in court and follow all bond conditions.