Have you Been Charged with Bail Jumping in Georgia?
Bail jumping is the failure to comply with conditions of bail. While some people may think bail jumping is a minor offense, it is most certainly not. It comes with severe consequences, and you will need legal representation. Lawson and Berry are Georgia's premier criminal defense firm. Our attorneys have decades of experience and are experienced in criminal defense. Contact our offices today for a free case evaluation.
Bail Jumping in Georgia
O.C.G.A. §16-10-51 outlines bail jumping and its consequences.
Any person who has been charged with or convicted of the commission of a felony or a misdemeanor and has been set at liberty on bail or his own recognizance upon the condition that he will subsequently appear at a specified time and place commits the offense of felony or misdemeanor bail jumping if, after actual notice to the defendant in open court or notice to the person by mailing to his last known address or otherwise being notified personally in writing by a court official or officer of the court, he fails without sufficient excuse to appear at that time and place.
In sum, it does not matter whether the defendant has been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor either one is a crime. Furthermore, bail jumping occurs when a person who has been released on bail attempts to evade a court appearance by failing to appear.
Misdemeanor Bail Jumping in Georgia
Whether or not the offense is treated as misdemeanor bail jumping or felony bail jumping depends on the underlying charge. If you were charged with a misdemeanor and failed to appear for court, then you can be charged with misdemeanor bail jumping. The penalty if convicted of misdemeanor bail jumping in Georgia is up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $1,000, or both.
Felony Bail Jumping in Georgia
If you were charged with a felony and failed to appear for court, then you can be charged with felony bail jumping. The penalty for felony bail jumping is a prison term between one and five years, a fine up to $5,000, or both.
Out of State Bail Jumping
Out of state bail jumping refers to when a person who has been charged with or convicted of certain misdemeanors avoids appearing in court by leaving the state. O.C.G.A. §16-10-51(c)
The misdemeanors covered under this section include but are not limited to:
- Simple assault
- Simple battery
- Criminal trespass
- Escape
- Family violence
- Reckless conduct
Penalty for Bail Jumping
The penalty for felony bail jumping is a prison term between one and five years or a fine of no more than $5,000.00, or both.
Misdemeanor bail jumping comes with the punishment of up to $1,000 in fines or one year in jail, or both.
Out of state bail jumping is also considered a felony and carries the consequences of prison for a term between one and five years or a fine between $1,000 and $5,000, or both.
Contact Us
Having competent representation is of the utmost importance when facing a criminal charge. If you or a loved one has been charged with bail jumping, you need legal representation immediately. Lawson and Berry and their team of Georgia Criminal Defense Attorneys will work with you to fight your charge and avoid a conviction. Call today and schedule a free consultation.
