Bail bond terms are conditions that the court stipulates that you must abide by after being released from custody. For example, you must appear in all court sessions in California after securing a pretrial release. Can you move out of state while on bond if you wish to travel? Does this imply that your life is suspended within California's borders? Read along to learn the legal and procedural conditions of the out-of-state movement while on bond.
The Two-Part Approval You Simply Can Not Miss
Before you start packing that bag, remember that relocating to another state while on bond is not a right but a privilege. This privilege is earned through a two-step approval process, and doing either of the steps is insufficient.
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Seek Court Permission
Seeking court permission is an official legal procedure to be performed by your lawyer, who has to submit a particular motion to grant travel permission. You cannot obtain permission by writing a letter or asking a clerk. You must give the judge a good and well-written rationale for why you are moving.
Immediacy of vague justifications will be declined; therefore, you must provide tangible evidence. For example, you could use a formal letter of job offer from your new employer or medical documents explaining a family crisis that must be attended to.
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Obtain a Consent of Surety from Your Bondsman
The bail bonds company will hold you liable for the full amount of your bond if you do not report to court. Their approval is obligatory, since an out-of-state move by definition puts them at a greater risk.
Your bail bonds company could refuse, even when a judge allows you to leave. They may approve, and in this case, they will give a formal document termed a consent of surety to travel, and you will require the same document before you move.
Weighing Factors That Influence the Decision to Approve Your Move
The court and your bail bondsman will be keen to consider various things before approving the permission to move. Their choice depends on a thorough evaluation of the flight risk. Legitimate reasons that can be used to justify your request usually have major life events that can be proved.
An established job change, the necessity to take care of a seriously sick relative as the only childcare giver, or contemplating a relocation with a career-relocated spouse are some of the situations that are frequently taken into account.
In its turn, several red flags may result in an automatic rejection. The severity of your accusations matters a lot; when a person is accused of an outstanding felony, they will be under much more scrutiny. Moreover, your criminal record is vital. You will surely be denied if you have any previous cases of failure to appear in court. Anything that indicates you could be a flight risk or are not taking your legal responsibility seriously will be against you.
The Consequences of Moving Without Authorization
The decision to relocate without getting both approvals is disastrous and has short-term and long-term consequences. This will directly breach your bail conditions, and your bond will be revoked and forfeited. When you cross interstate boundaries without permission, your connection is said to have been violated. This implies that the court will insist on the entire bail money, and the co-signer who guaranteed your bond is now liable to pay the whole amount.
On top of the financial catastrophe that will befall your loved ones, you will experience new and severe legal issues. Failure to appear will result in a warrant of arrest by the judge. This is not a state-only warrant but is generally registered in national law enforcement databases. This implies that any police officer can arrest you in any state.
This will send you to jail, and you will undergo a complicated extradition procedure to be sent back to the jurisdiction where it was in the first place. All this will be on top of criminal prosecution, in addition to breaking the terms and conditions of your release.
Find a Qualified Bail Bondsman Near Me
Going through the challenges of moving out-of-state while on bond is a matter of delicate and truthful communication. Going against the system or wishing that you would not get caught will result in the financial jeopardy of your co-signer and more jail time on your part. You could avoid the repercussions by consulting a professional bail bondsman. Call Mr. Nice Guy Bail Bonds at 844-400-2245 to learn what you can or cannot do.
