How would not paying back bail bonds effect you?
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How would not paying back bail bonds effect you?
My uncle was arrested for possession and since it was his second arrest the bail was set at $3000. My grandmother contacted a local bail bonds place and got him out. He has gone to all of his court appearances and has to go to some classes and do some community work. My grandmother on a fixed income is now stuck with $3000 bill to the bail bonds. She cannot afford to pay it. What will happen to her or my uncle at this point if they stop paying? Would this be treated as default on payment to a lending institution and a negative point on her credit or are there any criminal consequences?
Asked on August 11, 2010 under Criminal Law, California
Answers:
M.S., Member, Connecticut Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
There are two things that your family must consider. First, if your uncle's criminal case is still pending, failure to pay may result in revocation of his bond and therefore his incarceration. First and foremost, you need to consult with a local criminal defense attorney to determine whether this is a potential consequence of your grandmother's failure to pay. In any event, however, this is a civil debt like any other. Failure to pay will surely damage your grandmother's credit and create a civil liability that will expose any of her assets that subsequently get attached to collection. I suggest that your grandmother contact the bondsman and determine a mutually agreed-upon payment schedule.
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