Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

If you don’t show up for court after posting bond, serious legal and financial consequences follow. In Kansas and most other states, missing a court appearance is considered a bond forfeiture and often leads to a new criminal charge called failure to appear. Both you and the person who posted your bond can lose money and face additional penalties.

Bond Forfeiture

When you miss court, the judge issues an order declaring your bond “forfeited.” This means the money or collateral posted to secure your release is no longer refundable. If you paid a cash bond directly to the court, that money is kept by the court. If a bail bondsman posts the bond, they become responsible for paying the full amount to the court unless you are located and returned.

Bench Warrant for Arrest

Along with bond forfeiture, the judge issues a bench warrant for your arrest. Law enforcement can take you into custody at any time. Once arrested, you’ll likely be held without bond or with a much higher bond amount because you’ve already violated the court’s trust.

Impact on the Bondsman or Co-Signer

If someone else helped you by co-signing or paying for your bail bond, they could lose their money or property. Bail bondsmen often send bounty hunters or agents to locate and surrender you to avoid paying the full bond amount. Once you are returned to custody, the bondsman can request that the court reinstate the bond, but this is not guaranteed.

Additional Criminal Charges

Failing to appear in court can also result in a new criminal charge. In Kansas, failure to appear is a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the original charge. This new offense can lead to additional jail time, fines, and a criminal record separate from your original case.

Possible Bond Reinstatement

If you miss court for a legitimate reason, such as illness, hospitalization, or an emergency, you or your attorney can file a motion to set aside the forfeiture and reinstate the bond. You must provide proof of your excuse, and the judge decides whether to accept it. Acting quickly improves your chances of getting the bond reinstated.

If you don’t show up for court, your bond is forfeited, a warrant is issued for your arrest, and you may face new charges. Always attend court or contact your attorney immediately if something prevents you from appearing to avoid losing your bond and facing harsher penalties.