When someone is released on bail in California, one of the most critical legal obligations is to appear at all scheduled court dates. Failing to appear—commonly known as “FTA”—is considered a serious offense and can result in a chain of legal and financial consequences.
At The Bail Network, we take FTA cases seriously and work with clients to prevent them from missing court. If it does happen, here’s what you need to know:
🚨 Step-by-Step: What Happens After a Failure to Appear (FTA)
1. A Bench Warrant Is Issued Immediately
As soon as a court date is missed, the judge will issue a bench warrant for the defendant’s arrest. Law enforcement may:
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Visit their home or place of work
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Detain them during a routine stop
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Flag them as a fugitive in the California database
2. The Bail Is Forfeited
If The Bail Network posted a bond, the court may issue a forfeiture notice, requiring payment of the full bail amount. This means:
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The cosigner becomes financially responsible for the entire bail
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Legal action may be taken to recover the forfeited amount
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Additional collateral (if any) may be seized
3. New Criminal Charges Are Filed
California Penal Code allows prosecutors to file new charges for FTA, including:
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PC §1320 – Failure to Appear on a misdemeanor (up to 6 months in jail)
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PC §1320.5 – Willful FTA on a felony (up to 3 years in prison)
These charges are separate from the original offense and can lead to increased penalties and stricter bail conditions.
4. Bail Agent May Recover the Defendant
As bail agents, we are legally authorized to locate and surrender the defendant to the court. This process may involve:
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Skip tracing (digital or physical location searches)
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Engaging recovery agents (bounty hunters)
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Contacting cosigners or family members for cooperation
5. Bail Becomes Harder to Get in the Future
A record of missing court impacts future bail eligibility. Judges and agents may:
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Increase future bail amounts
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Deny no-collateral or 1% down options
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Refuse bail entirely in high-risk cases
🛑 Missed Court? Don’t Panic — Take Immediate Action
If you or a loved one missed court, it’s crucial to act fast. In many cases, we can:
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Help you schedule a court date to clear the warrant
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Work with the court and your attorney to reinstate the bond
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Prevent unnecessary jail time if action is taken quickly
📞 Call The Bail Network now if you or the defendant missed a hearing — early intervention can make all the difference.
Let me know when you’re ready to move on to Section 8: FAQs About California Bail Bonds, or if you’d like to rewrite the lead capture form at the top.