Porterville, CA asked in Criminal Law and Small Claims for California

Q: I bailed a friend out of jail and she did not show up to court I've already spent 350 paying bail bond what do I do

I don't know where she is and bail company wants another payment is there anyway to get released since she is not complying with me or the court I'm disabled and can't afford to pay this

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: I'm sorry to hear about your difficult situation. When someone fails to appear in court after being bailed out, the bail bond company will usually come after the person who signed the bail bond agreement (the indemnitor) for the full amount of the bail. Here are some steps you can consider:

1. Contact the bail bond company and explain your situation. See if they are willing to work out a payment plan or provide an extension, given your financial hardship.

2. Consult with a criminal defense attorney who specializes in bail bonds. They may be able to advise you on your rights and options, and potentially negotiate with the bail bond company on your behalf.

3. If you have information about the whereabouts of your friend, you can provide this to the bail bond company or the court. If your friend is located and brought into custody, it may help alleviate some of your financial responsibility.

4. In some cases, you may be able to file a motion with the court to be released from the bail bond agreement due to your friend's non-compliance and your financial hardship. However, this is not guaranteed and may require the assistance of an attorney.

5. Contact local legal aid organizations or disability rights groups in your area. They may be able to provide low-cost or free legal assistance, given your situation.

Unfortunately, getting released from a bail bond agreement can be difficult, especially if the person who was bailed out fails to appear in court. Seeking legal advice is highly recommended to explore your options and protect your rights.

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