After release: how to make every court date (and what to do if you miss one)

When your loved one walks out of jail, the relief is enormous. The next job is just as important: keeping every promise that came with their release. Here’s how to stay on track.

Know every court date

The defendant needs to appear at every court date unless the court or their attorney says otherwise. Dates can change, and a case may have several hearings. A few habits help:

• Write down each date, time and courtroom as soon as you get it.
• Set phone reminders a week ahead, a day ahead and a few hours ahead.
• Keep copies of all court paperwork in one place.
• Plan the trip: how they’ll get there, where to park and when to leave.

Follow the conditions of release

A judge may set conditions as part of release, such as staying away from certain people or places, not leaving the state, or checking in. Breaking a condition can lead to the bail being revoked and the defendant being taken back into custody, so make sure everyone understands them.

Keep your bail agent in the loop

Let us know if the defendant moves, changes phone numbers or gets a new court date. Staying in touch protects the defendant, the co-signer and the bond.

If a court date is missed

Life happens: car trouble, illness, a mix-up about the date. If a court date is missed, here’s what to do:

1. Don’t panic, and don’t hide. Ignoring the problem only makes it worse.
2. Call the defense attorney right away. They can often ask the court to put the case back on calendar.
3. Call your bail agent. We’ll explain where things stand and what comes next.
4. Get back in front of the judge as soon as possible. Showing up voluntarily is far better than being picked up on a warrant.

When someone misses court, the judge can issue a bench warrant and declare the bail forfeited. In California there is generally a window of about six months (180 days, plus a few extra days when notice is mailed) to return the defendant to court and ask for the forfeiture to be set aside. The sooner the problem is handled, the better.

When the case ends

When the case is resolved, the court exonerates the bond and the bail obligation is over. Any collateral is returned once the bond is exonerated and the account is settled.

We’re here after release, too

Our job doesn’t end when your loved one comes home. If you have questions about court dates, conditions or anything else, call Joanna’s Bail Bonds at (209) 527-0911, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.