Posting bail in California is one way to get released from jail. Whether it’s full cash bail or use a Bail Bond service, because you had planned travel out ofCalifornia for personal or professional reasons, you want to know if you can leave the area your case is while out on bond?
Understanding Travel Restrictions while Out on Bail
When you post bond in San Diego County, it’s an agreement that you agree to stay in the area while attending each and every court date required of you by the Court.
Travel restrictions are normally put on defendants with large or risky bonds and may require;
- Surrendering their Passport until their Bond is exonerated.
- Restriction travel that let the defendant visit to pre-defined locations.
Courts are unlikely to change date and times to accommodate travel plans and if you miss a court date without excuse, you not only violate the terms of your bail agreement, but the Court may issue a warrant for re-arrest will be issued.
Travel restrictions can be put on a defendant directly by the courts due to a possibly of them being a flight risk. By restricting the defendant from leaving the area, it can potentially avoid the need for law enforcement to chase down the defendant.
Travel Out of the area while on Bail?
Can you leave the state while on a Bail Bond ? The simple answer is “YES”.
If you have a bail agreement that has no travel restrictions, you can travel to/from your area of California. A restricted travel agreement might still permit you to travel as long as the destination is on authorized.
In short, you are allowed to travel while on bail but only if allowed. Every bail agreement is different and it’s important you understand the conditions of yours. Understanding the terms when signing a Bail Bond agreement will help you avoid problems.
Leaving the Country on Bail: What You Need to Know
Leaving the State of California on bail is one thing, but international travel is another. It won’t matter if you are out on cash bail or a bail bond if there are travel restrictions imposed as a part of your release from custody.
Defendants wanting to leave on international travel should follow these guidelines;
- Confirm the terms of bail allow you visit the intended destination.
- If Not then make a formal request with relevant reason, such as illness or death.
- Confirm your travel itinerary won’t interfere withcourt hearings or violate any bail conditions.
- Inform the courts your travel itinerary, unless you have no travel restrictions placed on you.
In addition to the bail agreement, you should consider whether any ongoing legal issue could affect your entrance/exit of the county you’re traveling.
Leaving the area while on a Bail Bond
If a local bail bond company fears you have skipped town, they may start the process of recovery. This may include by hiring a “Bounty Hunter” and any costs associated with locating your whereabouts are part of the recovery costs.
The cosigners/indemnitors can also request a defendant be surrendered on your bond if they have reason to believe or proof you are planning to run.
