Appearance is very important to many, but when it comes down to showing up in the court at the scheduled time, the appearance is a must. Otherwise, you may forfeit your bail bond.
Bail bond is monetary or other form of security given to ensure the appearance of the defendant at every stage of the proceeding. Bail is a surety contract made up of three parties. The bail contract is also written for an indefinite term and also must remain in effect until the obligation is fulfilled. It cannot be cancelled in the same manner as an insurance policy. Surrender of the defendant, however, is one method of fulfilling the obligation and allows the surety to be relieved of liability.
In terms of legal language, explained below, directly from Code of Criminal Procedure, when they call your name, you better be there.
Art. 22.01. BAIL FORFEITED, WHEN. When a defendant is bound by bail to appear and fails to appear in any court in which such case may be pending and at any time when his personal appearance is required under this Code, or by any court or magistrate, a forfeiture of his bail and a judicial declaration of such forfeiture shall be taken in the manner provided in Article 22.02 of this Code and entered by such court.
Acts 1965, 59th Leg., p. 317, ch. 722, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1966. Amended by Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 886, ch. 312, Sec. 2, eff. Aug. 31, 1981.
Art. 22.02. MANNER OF TAKING A FORFEITURE. Bail bonds and personal bonds are forfeited in the following manner: The name of the defendant shall be called distinctly at the courthouse door, and if the defendant does not appear within a reasonable time after such call is made, judgment shall be entered that the State of Texas recover of the defendant the amount of money in which he is bound, and of his sureties, if any, the amount of money in which they are respectively bound, which judgment shall state that the same will be made final, unless good cause be shown why the defendant did not appear.
As always, the best option is to contact Atlas Bail and go over available info and all the details. With our experience, knowledge and great customer service, we can have your loved ones back to you as soon as the law will allow us. From the moment you show up in our office we understand your need for guidance and help. The fact that a person is in jail is only the beginning of the process. Selecting AAA Atlas Bail is an important first step. With years of experience in our office, we most definitely will have the right answer for you.