Is it Possible for a Bail Bond to be Reinstated?

This question comes from Yahoo Answers where we often answer bail related questions.

Question: I missed my court date because I was moving.  A bench warrant was issued even after me calling the public defender and the court house to notify them.   I placed a call to my bail bondsman and he said he could give me a reinstatement of the bail bond so that I could take it to the court to get another court date.  I am going to the court house tomorrow.  What will happen?  Will I go to jail?

Answer: This is a common situation. When you miss a court date, a bench warrant will automatically be issued. Your bondsman is required to be notified. You did the right thing in calling the public defender, court and your bondsman.

Bail bonds can be reinstated. The process will vary by court jurisdiction. Some courts will even accept a faxed reinstatement, also known as a “reassumption of liability”.

Being rearrested is valid concern. However, that is not typical procedure,particularly since you have already notified the court. It would be best to call the clerk of the court and give them your case number, let them know you have a reinstatement for your bond. Ask them if it can be faxed and if you will be detained.

Keep in contact with your bondsman. This is a situation both you and the bondsman will want to stay on top of in order to avoid real problems.

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