FTA Bail Bonds
Upon arrest, a person may be released from jail under specific pretrial conditions, such as posting bail or bail bonds. Regardless of the type of bail, pretrial release always involves the defendant’s commitment to attend all court proceedings. Failing to appear results in an FTA warrant and additional charges.
FTAs are classified as either felonies or misdemeanors, with penalties including three years in prison and $10,000 in fines for felonies, and six months in county jail and $1,000 in fines for misdemeanors.
At Roger Sayegh Bail Bonds, we offer assistance in cases involving missed court dates. Our services cover a range of bail bond types, including misdemeanor, probation violation, domestic violence, assault, disorderly conduct, theft, and immigration bail bonds. We provide easy payment plans, attorney referrals, and warrant searches, while our experienced bail agents guide clients through the bail process. Whether you need help for a friend or family member, our team is ready to support you 24/7.
If a person is mandated to attend a court hearing but fails to show up, they may be issued an FTA (Failure To Appear) warrant under CA Penal Code 1320 & 1320.5, leading to arrest and appearance before a judge. In such cases, the individual must address both the original matter and the FTA charge.
What is “Failure to Appear?
A failure to appear (FTA) occurs when a person does not show up for a scheduled court appearance, as required by law or court order. When someone is charged with a crime or issued a citation, they are typically given a specific date and time to appear in court to address the matter. If the person does not attend the court hearing, the judge may issue an FTA warrant, which results in a bench warrant for their arrest.
An FTA can lead to additional charges and penalties, such as fines, jail time, or an increased bail amount. These penalties are in addition to any consequences related to the original matter for which the person was supposed to appear in court. It is crucial for individuals to attend all required court appearances to avoid the negative consequences associated with a failure to appear.
This warrant leads to an arrest for not appearing in court as promised. Common scenarios that result in bench warrants include:
- The judge ordered the defendant to appear in court at a specific time and place.
- The defendant, released on bail, was commanded by a judge to appear in court.
- The defendant, released from custody, promised to appear in court.
- The defendant, released by a police officer after signing a citation, promised to appear in court.
- The defendant authorized their attorney to appear on their behalf, but the judge or court demanded the defendant’s presence.
Roger Sayegh Bail Bonds is here to help anyone who has missed their court date. Our knowledgeable bail agents can assist with various types of bail bonds, such as misdemeanor, probation violation, domestic violence, assault, disorderly conduct, theft, and immigration bail bonds. We guide clients through the bail process and offer warrant searches, attorney referrals, and easy payment plans.
Whether you’re trying to help a friend or family member, our bail bondsmen are available 24/7 to provide support. We work closely with county jails, correctional facilities, police departments, and detention centers to ensure a smooth bail process. Our services cover a range of bail types, including felony, violation, and immigration bail bonds. With our experienced bond agents, you can navigate the complexities of bail jumping, drug possession, and other crimes with ease.
At Roger Sayegh Bail Bonds, we offer flexible payment plans, making the bail bond process more accessible. Our bail bond agents are committed to providing the best possible service to ensure the release of your loved one from jail. Don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance with any bail bond needs.
How Do You Get Convicted of an FTA?
A person can be convicted of failure to appear (FTA) when they do not attend a scheduled court appearance as required by law or a court order. The process of being convicted for FTA generally follows these steps:
- Scheduled court appearance: A person is given a specific date and time to appear in court to address a legal matter, such as a criminal charge, citation, or summons.
- Failure to attend: The person does not show up for the court appearance as required.
- Issuance of a bench warrant: The judge, upon realizing the person’s absence, may issue a bench warrant for their arrest. This warrant grants law enforcement the authority to arrest the individual and bring them before the court.
- Arrest: Law enforcement officers may arrest the person on the basis of the bench warrant. The arrest could happen during a routine traffic stop, at their residence, or any other place where the person is found.
- Court appearance: After being arrested, the person is brought before the court to answer for their FTA, as well as any other pending legal matters.
- Conviction: If the judge determines that the person willfully failed to appear in court without a valid reason, they may convict the person of FTA. This conviction can lead to additional penalties, such as fines, jail time, or increased bail amount, in addition to the consequences related to the original legal matter.
It’s essential for individuals to attend all required court appearances to avoid being convicted of failure to appear and the associated penalties. If someone has a legitimate reason for not attending a scheduled court appearance, they should notify the court in advance and request a rescheduling or consult with an attorney to discuss their options.
What Is An FTA Warrant?
An FTA (Failure to Appear) warrant is a legal order issued by a judge when a person does not show up for a scheduled court hearing. This warrant authorizes law enforcement officers to arrest the individual and bring them before the court to address their absence and the original legal matter.
When facing an FTA warrant, it is crucial to seek the help of experienced bail bondsmen, like those at Roger Sayegh Bail Bonds. Our team can assist with various types of bail bonds, including misdemeanor, probation violation, domestic violence, assault, disorderly conduct, theft, and immigration bail bonds. We provide support throughout the bail process, offering warrant searches, attorney referrals, easy payment plans, and guidance on bail bonds payment plans.
Our bail agents work closely with county jails, correctional facilities, police departments, and detention centers to ensure a smooth process. Whether you or a friend or family member is dealing with an FTA warrant, our bond agents are available 24/7 to help. We handle various bail bond types, such as felony, violation, and immigration bail bonds, and offer flexible payment plans to accommodate different financial situations.
In addition to assisting with FTA warrants, we also aid clients in navigating the complexities of bail jumping, drug possession, and other crimes. Our bail bond agents are dedicated to providing exceptional service, ensuring the release of your loved one from jail as quickly as possible. Reach out to Roger Sayegh Bail Bonds for support with any bail bond needs or to initiate the bail bond process.
What Is A Bench Warrant?
A bench warrant is a legal order issued by a judge, also known as “from the bench,” authorizing the arrest of an individual for various reasons, such as failure to appear in court (FTA), violation of probation, or failure to comply with a court order. Bench warrants differ from arrest warrants, which are usually issued based on probable cause in relation to criminal activity.
Some common reasons for bench warrants include:
- Missing a court hearing: A person who fails to appear in court as required, often leading to an FTA warrant.
- Probation violation: A person who does not comply with the terms of their probation may have a bench warrant issued against them.
- Non-payment of fines or fees: Failure to pay court-ordered fines, fees, or child support can result in a bench warrant.
- Failure to complete court-mandated programs: Not attending or completing required courses, counseling, or community service can lead to a bench warrant.
When a bench warrant is issued, law enforcement officers are authorized to arrest the individual and bring them before the court. This can happen during a routine traffic stop, at their residence, or any other location where the person is found.
The arrest process may involve booking at a county jail or detention center, and the individual may be held there until their court hearing. During the hearing, the judge will address the reason for the warrant and may impose penalties, such as fines, jail time, or additional bail requirements. The severity of the penalties depends on factors such as the nature of the original offense, the person’s criminal history, and whether the warrant was for a misdemeanor or felony.
To resolve a bench warrant, the individual should consult an attorney for guidance and, if necessary, make arrangements for bail. Bail bondsmen can help navigate the bail process, offering warrant searches, attorney referrals, and assistance with various types of bail bonds, such as misdemeanor, probation violation, domestic violence, assault, disorderly conduct, theft, and immigration bail bonds. They also provide easy payment plans and support throughout the bonds process.
It is essential to address bench warrants promptly to avoid further complications and penalties, such as additional charges for bail jumping or increased bail amounts. By working with experienced bail agents and legal professionals, individuals can better navigate the complex process and minimize the consequences of a bench warrant.
What Are the Penalties and Jail Time for a Failure to Appear Warrant?
There are three distinct penalties for a “Failure to Appear” charge, and it depends on what you were originally charged with:
A misdemeanor where you are released on your own recognizance, you could face up to six months in county jail, and/or a fine of up to $1,000
Felony charges where you are released on your own recognizance, the penalties will rise up to a year in county jail, or up to three years in state prison, and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
Felony charges that required bail for release would receive up to a year in county jail, or up to three years in state prison, and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
How much is a bond for failure to appear?
The financial consequences of failing to appear in court can be significant, with costs reaching up to $10,000 if you were already out on bail. Additionally, failing to appear may result in extra jail time upon conviction for the associated charges.
When someone is arrested for failure to appear, the judge may demand full payment of the initial bail and the bail for the failure to appear before releasing the defendant. Bail amounts for misdemeanor and felony charges vary based on the severity of the offense.
Misdemeanor Bail Examples:
- Probation Violation PC 1203.2 $5,000
- Concealed Firearm Carrying PC 12025(b)(7) $5,000
- Firearm Exhibition PC 417(a)(2) $10,000
- Indecent Exposure PC 314 $5,000
- Underage Obscenity Possession PC 311.11(a) $10,000
- Failure to Register as a Sex Offender PC 290 $10,000
- Protective Order Violation PC 273.65 $10,000
- Emergency Personnel Interference PC 148.2 $5,000
- Assault Against a Peace Officer PC 241 $10,000
- DUI Alcohol or Drugs PC 23152(a) $5,000
Felony Bail Examples:
- Involving a Minor in Drug Offense HS 11380.1(a)(1) $20,000
- PCP-related Drug Offense HS 11370.4(a)(2) $30,000
- Drug Offense Near School HS11353.6(b) $40,000
- Drug Offense with Minor 4 Yrs. Younger HS11353.6(c) $40,000
- Inducing a Minor to Commit Drug Offense HS 11343.2(a)(1) $10,000
- Hate Crime PC 422.75(a) $20,000
- Carrying Firearm During Crime PC 12021.5(b) $20,000 – 30,000
- Theft over $100,000 PC 1203.045 $50,000
- Firearm Discharge in
- Felony Commission PC 12022.53(c) $200,000
To secure release after an arrest for failure to appear, the FTA fine will be added to any bail amounts required for the original charges. This combined amount can quickly reach tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, making it challenging for many people to afford.
Roger Sayegh Bail Bonds can help clients secure their release by providing bail services for those arrested for failure to appear. Our team is experienced in handling various types of bail bonds, such as misdemeanor, probation violation, domestic violence, and assault. We offer a streamlined bail process, easy payment plans, and comprehensive support to ensure a timely release. Reach out to Roger Sayegh Bail Bonds for assistance in navigating the bail process and securing the release of you or your loved one from jail.