Los Angeles > Bail Jumping Defense

Los Angeles Bail Jumping Defense Attorneys

Being arrested in Los Angeles, CA and accused of bail jumping is a daunting and overwhelming experience, and the consequences of a conviction can be severe. Working with an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney is the best way to protect your rights and ensure that your case is handled fairly and justly.

Contact The Rodriguez Law Group at (213) 995-6767 for a free consultation today. We’re ready to get started pushing back on the allegations against you.

How The Rodriguez Law Group Can Help If You’re Arrested for Bail Jumping in Los Angeles, CA

Whether you simply forgot about your court date or had more complicated reasons for not appearing in court, the consequences of failing to abide by the terms of your release may have potentially damaging repercussions.

Here’s how our Los Angeles bail jumping defense lawyers can help:

• We will discuss your case with you in depth to determine why you didn’t show up for court. If any extenuating circumstances exist that could be used to defend you, we can assist you with obtaining medical records or other evidence to support your claim.
• We will look into the case history to ensure that all paperwork was signed and that you were properly informed about your scheduled court appearance.
• With over 50 years of combined legal experience, we know what it takes to get not guilty verdicts.

If you have been arrested for bail jumping in Los Angeles, California, it is important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. Contact The Rodriguez Law Group to schedule a free consultation with one of our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers.

Overview of Bail in California

Bail is a temporary release from custody granted to a defendant who has been arrested and charged with a crime. The purpose of bail is to allow the defendant to return to their daily life while they await trial. In exchange for this release, the defendant must agree to return to court on the designated date and time and to comply with any conditions set by the court.

What Is Bail Jumping, and What Are the Penalties for Bail Jumping in Los Angeles, California?

Bail jumping is a criminal offense that occurs when a defendant who has been granted bail willfully fails to appear in court as required. When a defendant is granted bail, they are essentially making a promise to the court to return for their scheduled court appearance. If they fail to do so, they will be charged with failing to appear.

Misdemeanor Bail Jumping

The consequences of a bail jumping conviction can be severe. If the underlying offense is a misdemeanor and you were released on your own recognizance (ROR) – meaning you didn’t have to pay any money to get out of jail – failing to appear in court is also classified as a misdemeanor.

In this case, the potential penalties include misdemeanor probation, up to one year in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both a fine and imprisonment.

Felony Bail Jumping

If the underlying offense was a felony and you were released on your own recognizance and failed to appear in court, the potential penalties include:

• Felony probation
• Up to one year in county jail or three years in state prison
• A fine of not more than $5,000
• Both a fine and imprisonment

If you were charged with a felony and had to pay bail to be released from custody (as opposed to being released on your own recognizance), failing to appear in court will be charged as a felony. You could face felony probation, up to one year in county jail or three years in state prison, a fine of not more than $10,000, or both the fine and imprisonment.

What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Accused of Bail Jumping in Los Angeles?

If you have been accused of bail jumping, some defenses can be raised to challenge the charges against you. Two common defenses are uncontrollable circumstances or good cause and lack of knowledge or willfulness.

Uncontrollable Circumstances/Good Cause

In some cases, unexpected and uncontrollable circumstances, such as a medical emergency, a family emergency, or inclement weather, can prevent a person from appearing in court. If you have a good reason for not appearing in court, you may be able to use this as a defense. However, it is important to remember that simply forgetting the court date or being late does not qualify as a good cause.

Lack of Knowledge – Not Willful

For a person to be convicted of bail jumping, they must have had knowledge of their obligation to appear in court and acted willfully by choosing not to comply. If the defendant can show that they did not have knowledge of their court date or were never informed, this may be a viable defense.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Los Angeles Bail Jumping Defense Attorneys

If you have been charged with bail jumping in Los Angeles, CA, it is important to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and ensure that your case is handled fairly. Contact The Rodriguez Law Group to schedule a free case consultation with one of our Los Angeles bail jumping defense attorneys.