When someone gets released on bail, it might feel like the worst part is over. But missing a court date—or worse, deliberately avoiding it—can lead to devastating consequences. In the bail bond world, this is called a “skip.” And trust us, it’s not a title anyone wants.
What Does “Skip” Mean?
In bail bond terms, a skip is someone who fails to appear in court after being released on bond. At that point, they are considered a fugitive, and the clock starts ticking for the bail bond agency. If the defendant doesn’t return to court within a certain time frame, the court demands payment for the entire bail amount—not just the small percentage (usually 15% in Nevada) that was paid upfront.
And that’s where things can get ugly.
Who’s Left Holding the Bag?
In many cases, it’s not the defendant who pays the bond—it’s a family member or loved one who cosigned. Maybe it was an elderly parent who just wanted to help their child stay out of jail. Maybe it was a sister or uncle who believed in second chances. Once the defendant skips, that innocent cosigner is now legally and financially responsible.
Here’s what that can look like:
- A 72-year-old mother in North Las Vegas signs for her son’s $15,000 bond. He disappears. Now she owes the bondsman the full amount.
- An aunt with health issues gets constant calls, collection letters, and surprise visits from bounty hunters looking for her nephew.
- A retired couple who used their savings to help their grandson are now being sued for bail forfeiture—and their retirement is in jeopardy.
Additional Costs Pile Up
Once a person skips, recovery efforts begin immediately. Bail bond companies often hire bounty hunters (also called fugitive recovery agents) to track down the person who failed to appear.
The costs associated with these efforts can be:
- Bounty hunter fees (typically added to the cosigner’s bill)
- Court fees for failing to appear
- Private investigation services
- Legal fees if the court sues the cosigner for the full bond amount
These costs are stacked on top of the original bond amount—meaning the cosigner could owe tens of thousands of dollars for someone else’s mistake.
It Can Ruin Future Chances of Getting Help
If you skip court and leave your bondsman hanging, you’re not just burning a bridge—you might be blacklisted from bail bond services entirely. Many bail bond companies share information, and a history of skipping could disqualify you from ever being bailed out again.
At the very least, the only way you might get help in the future is if you pay off what’s owed on your previous case in full.
Why It’s Never Worth It
Trying to disappear might sound like an escape—but in reality, it’s a shortcut to disaster. Skipping court puts a target on your back, risks your family’s well-being, and almost always leads to more jail time, more charges, and more financial ruin.
If you miss your court date for any reason—call your bail bondsman immediately. At eBail, we know life happens. Communication is everything, and we’re often able to help reschedule court or prevent a warrant if we’re contacted in time.
Don’t Ghost Us—We’re Here to Help
Being a cosigner is a serious responsibility. If someone you love is out on bond, make sure they understand that their actions don’t just affect them—they could leave their family drowning in debt.
At eBail, we’ve seen too many families suffer because someone they trusted skipped court. Don’t let that happen to you. If you’re worried or have questions, call us today at (702) 462-9200. We’re here 24/7 and always ready to help guide you through the process—without judgment, and with real support.
