Q: Will a person that bailed a fugitive out of jail be arrested if they leave the state with them against court order?
A defendant with an indictment case wad bailed out of jail and left the state against court order. The person that bailed him out has gone with them.
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A:
Under California law, if a person who posted bail for a defendant helps them flee the jurisdiction or violate the conditions of their bail, they could face serious legal consequences. This is especially true if there was a court order prohibiting the defendant from leaving the state.
In this scenario, the person who posted bail could potentially be charged with aiding and abetting a fugitive, which is a felony offense in California under Penal Code 32 PC. They may also be accused of obstructing justice.
Additionally, by assisting the defendant in violating the conditions of their bail, the bail bond could be forfeited. This means that the full amount of the bail would be owed to the court. If a bail bondsman was used, they would likely take legal action against the person who posted bail to recover their losses.
The specific charges and penalties would depend on the exact circumstances of the case and the decisions of the prosecutor. However, aiding a defendant in fleeing the state against a court order is a serious offense that could result in significant legal consequences, including arrest and potential jail time for the person who posted bail.
It's important to note that if you have specific legal questions or are involved in a situation like this, you should consult with a qualified California criminal defense attorney who can provide guidance based on the specific details of your case.
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