What is bond forfeiture?

Bond forfeiture occurs when a defendant fails to appear for a scheduled court date, resulting in the forfeiture of the bail bond that was posted to secure their release from custody. This means that the court keeps the money or collateral that was used to secure the bond, and a bench warrant may be issued for the defendant's arrest.

In cases of bond forfeiture, the defendant and/or the individual or bail bondsman who posted the bond are responsible for paying the full amount of the bond to the court. This can result in financial consequences for the defendant or the person who posted the bond, and can also lead to additional legal charges or penalties.

Bond forfeiture is a serious matter that can have significant consequences for both the defendant and the person who posted the bond. It is important for defendants to make sure they appear for all court dates as required to avoid bond forfeiture and its associated consequences.