What Happens If a Defendant Skips Bail in Phoenix?
When someone is released on bail in Phoenix, they are promising to return for all court appearances. But what happens if they don’t?
Skipping bail, also called failure to appear (FTA), has serious legal and financial consequences in Arizona, especially for the co-signer and the bail bond company involved.
🚨 What Does “Skipping Bail” Mean?
Skipping bail means the defendant missed a scheduled court date after being released on a bail bond. This breaks the court’s trust and leads to several penalties.
In Phoenix, this usually results in:
A bench warrant for the defendant’s arrest
Bond forfeiture, meaning the full bail amount becomes due
Additional criminal charges for failure to appear
💰 Who Pays When Bail Is Skipped?
If the bail was paid through a bail bond company, the co-signer (also called the indemnitor) becomes financially responsible for the full bail amount.
Example:
If bail was $10,000 and a 10% fee was paid to a bondsman, skipping court means the full $10,000 must now be paid. The bail bond company will attempt to recover the money or the defendant.
🕵️♂️ What Does a Bail Bondsman Do If Bail Is Skipped?
Licensed bail bond agents in Phoenix will:
Try to contact the defendant
Hire a fugitive recovery agent (bounty hunter) to locate the defendant
Notify the court if the defendant is re-arrested
If the defendant is returned within a set timeframe (usually 90 days), the court may reinstate the bond.
⚖️ Can the Defendant Fix It?
Sometimes, yes. The defendant may:
Turn themselves in
Ask the court to quash the warrant
Explain the reason for missing court, if it was valid
Acting fast is important. The longer the delay, the less likely the court will be lenient.
📍 Consequences in Phoenix and Maricopa County
In Maricopa County courts, failure to appear can:
Add a Class 5 felony charge under ARS § 13-2507
Result in jail time, even if the original charge was minor
Make it harder to get bail in the future
✅ How to Avoid This Situation
Always keep track of court dates
Stay in communication with your attorney and bail bondsman
If you are the co-signer, stay in touch with the defendant and check on their progress
📞 Need Help with Bail in Phoenix?
If someone you know missed court, don’t wait. Our Phoenix-based team can help guide you through the next steps and protect your investment.
Call The Bail Barn 24/7 at (623) 428-2276 or click below to talk with a local bondsman.
👉 CALL NOW
