Posting bail for someone is a big deal. You’re not just helping them get out of jail—you’re also signing up for a serious responsibility. So, what happens if they don’t hold up their end of the deal?
When someone skips court (also known as “failing to appear”), the consequences can be major—not just for the defendant, but also for you as the co-signer. And if you’re in Raleigh, Durham, or anywhere in The Triangle, knowing what to expect can help you act fast and avoid bigger problems.
At Big Mike Bail Bonds, we’re breaking down what it really means when someone skips court, what risks co-signers face, and what steps you can take to protect yourself.
When someone is released on bond and then fails to show up for their scheduled court date, that’s considered a Failure to Appear (FTA). It’s not a minor slip-up—it’s a legal violation.
Here’s what can happen:
In North Carolina, skipping court can also result in fines, license suspension, and even new criminal charges depending on the situation. NC General Statutes § 15A outlines the rules around bail and forfeiture.
The court will issue a bench warrant for the defendant’s arrest. If they’re pulled over or interact with law enforcement, they can be taken into custody on the spot.
Skipping court isn’t just disrespectful—it’s a separate criminal offense. A missed misdemeanor appearance can even be upgraded to a felony in some cases.
A judge may revoke bail entirely, meaning the defendant will have to stay in jail until their trial.
If you signed a bail bond as a co-signer, you agreed to cover the full amount if the defendant doesn’t show up. That means you may have to pay the balance.
Did you put up your house, car, or other property to secure the bond? That’s now at risk of being seized to cover the bond amount.
If the bail agency suffers a loss and you don’t pay, they may take legal action to recover the money you owe.
Yes—but the key is acting fast.
Let us know what’s going on. In many cases, we can help to work with the court to reschedule the hearing before a warrant is executed.
Courts often show more leniency if the defendant voluntarily returns rather than waiting to be picked up.
If they missed court due to illness, family emergency, or other valid reason, an attorney may be able to request a new hearing date.
As a last resort, a bail recovery agent (also known as a bounty hunter) may be hired to return the defendant to court—which is better than losing your collateral or cash.
Before you co-sign for anyone, take steps to protect your finances and peace of mind.
They should contact their attorney or the court right away. If they act quickly, they may be able to reschedule the hearing without facing new charges.
Yes, but only if the defendant takes immediate action and the court believes the absence was due to a legitimate emergency.
Every jurisdiction is different, but the court may allow a short grace period to fix the situation before revoking bail and seizing collateral.
Once bail is posted, you cannot remove yourself unless the defendant is returned to custody or the case is resolved.
We recommend reading 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Posting Bail as well as other topics on our blog. These blogs are informative and cover a vast range of topics.
If someone you bailed out skips court, don’t wait—every day matters.
At Big Mike Bail Bonds, we guide co-signers and defendants through what comes next. Whether you need help finding someone, rescheduling a court date, or avoiding financial penalties, we’re here to protect your interests.
Serving clients across Raleigh, Durham, and the entire Triangle area, we’re known for fast, local, and judgment-free service when you need it most.
Contact Big Mike Bail Bonds to get answers and support.