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Bail Bond Glossary

What happens if my loved one skips bail?

Short answer

The bondsman has the right to apprehend them, the court forfeits the bond, and any co-signers and collateral are at risk. Triple R works hard to locate skippers.

If a defendant fails to appear at a scheduled court date (“FTA” or “skipping bail”):

  1. The court issues a bench warrant.
  2. The court declares the bond forfeited — the bondsman now owes the full bond amount.
  3. The bondsman has 90+ days (varies by Arkansas county) to either bring the defendant in or pay the bond.
  4. The bondsman can legally apprehend the defendant anywhere in the country and return them to the issuing court. This is an exception to standard arrest rules.
  5. If the defendant cannot be found in time, any co-signers can be sued for the bond amount, and any pledged collateral can be seized.

Triple R takes skipping seriously. See our Wanted Skippers page for current open cases. Anonymous tip line: 1-866-593-7457.