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Being accused of bail jumping in Phoenix, Arizona, can bring serious consequences for defendants, including the risk of additional criminal charges. If you missed a court date and are facing allegations of willfully failing to appear, a Phoenix criminal defense attorney can help protect your future.
Prosecutors in Phoenix take bail jumping seriously, and Orent Law Offices can help. Contact us at (480) 656-7301 to schedule a free case review with a Phoenix bail jumping defense attorney.
When you’re facing bail jumping charges in Phoenix, AZ, navigating the legal system can feel overwhelming. Your freedom is at risk, making it critical to work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Here’s what sets our team apart:
When you work with our firm, you are working with a team dedicated to handling your case with compassion and professionalism at every step. Call us today to schedule a free case review to get started.
In Arizona, what many refer to as “bail jumping” is officially known as Failure to Appear. If someone does not show up for a scheduled court appearance or if they break any conditions tied to their pretrial release, there may be penalties.
Generally, an automatic bench warrant is issued for the person’s arrest, the court can keep any bail posted, and extra criminal charges will follow.
These new charges can range in severity, from misdemeanors for less serious matters to felonies for more significant cases. Missing a single court date can dramatically increase the legal and financial penalties you face.
If you miss a required court date, the consequences depend largely on the seriousness of the original charge tied to your missed appearance.
When the missed court date was for an underlying felony, prosecutors will typically charge you with first-degree failure to appear, which is a Class 5 felony.
Penalties include potential prison time of up to 2.5 years as well as substantial fines of up to $150,000. This charge can also trigger the automatic forfeiture of a bond.
If you fail to appear for a misdemeanor, petty offense, or after receiving a summons in writing, you’ll face second-degree failure to appear charges. This is a Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor.
Sentences for a Class 1 misdemeanor can include up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $2,500; for a Class 2 misdemeanor, jail time can reach up to 4 months.
If you’ve been arrested for bail jumping in Phoenix, you still have the right to defend yourself in court. A strong defense can make a big difference in the penalties you face and may even prevent an extra conviction on your record.
If you didn’t knowingly avoid court and you only missed the date because you weren’t properly notified of it, this is a strong legal defense. Your lawyer can make sure you actually signed a summons or the paperwork telling you when your next court date is. If you didn’t, they may be able to raise this as an argument.
If an unexpected or serious situation kept you from attending your hearing, such as a medical emergency, an accident, or a family crisis, this may be a valid excuse. Courts may consider documentation of events beyond your control.
If you voluntarily turned yourself in shortly after missing your court date or immediately corrected your mistake and complied with new court orders, your attorney can present this to persuade the court to be lenient or drop the charges.
The specific defense your Phoenix criminal defense lawyer uses can depend on the facts of your case.
Don’t let a bail jumping charge jeopardize your future or leave you feeling helpless in court. The right Phoenix defense lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case, negotiate with prosecutors, and build a strategy to defend you. You deserve an advocate who understands Arizona’s justice system and can fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Reach out now to discuss your options. We’ll get you scheduled for a free consultation with a Phoenix bail jumping defense lawyer.
