Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

A fugitive bond is a type of bail bond that applies when a person is arrested in one state or jurisdiction but is wanted in another. This situation typically arises when someone has fled to avoid prosecution, skipped bail, or failed to appear in court in a different location. The bond allows the person to be released from custody while they await extradition or while legal decisions are made about whether they’ll be sent back to the requesting jurisdiction.

When a Fugitive Bond Is Used

This bond comes into play during what’s called a “fugitive from justice” case. It is often used in these scenarios,

• The defendant is arrested in a different state for charges filed elsewhere
• There is an outstanding warrant in another county or jurisdiction
• The individual fled after being released on a previous bond and is later captured

The court holding the defendant will decide if the person should be extradited or released on a fugitive bond during the process.

Purpose of a Fugitive Bond

The purpose of the bond is to ensure that the defendant appears for their extradition hearings or complies with orders to return to the requesting state. It provides a way to secure temporary release while legal proceedings are underway.

Conditions and Risk

Fugitive bonds are considered higher risk due to the nature of the charges and the fact that the person already fled or crossed jurisdictions. As a result,

• The bond amount is often higher than regular bail bonds
• Collateral may be required to back the bond
• The judge may deny bond if the person poses a strong flight risk

If granted, the bond works like others: it is forfeited if the person fails to comply with the court’s orders.

Who Provides Fugitive Bonds?

Not all bail bond agents offer fugitive bonds, as they carry added risk and require extra steps. Those that do may charge more than the standard 10 percent due to the complexity and potential costs involved in tracking or recovering a defendant who skips out again.

A fugitive bond is a specialized form of bail for individuals arrested in one place while wanted in another. It helps ensure the defendant complies with the legal process of being returned to the original jurisdiction. While it offers a chance for release, it carries stricter conditions and usually involves higher costs due to the increased risk involved.