Bergen County Bail Jumping Defense Attorneys 

Criminal Defense Lawyers with Offices in Hackensack, New Jersey 

Missed Court Warrant for Arrest NJ Lawyer Needed
Bail jumping charges

Often, a defendant is released from custody on bail – on the condition that he or she will return to court at an appointed time to continue the adjudication of the case. Bail jumping typically occurs when a person who has been released on bail fails to appear for a scheduled hearing in court. If a person “jumps” or “skips” bail, he or she may forgo a certain amount of money that has already been paid for his or her bail. Additionally, the court will issue a warrant for the person’s arrest. A bail jumping charge is particularly likely when it is known or suspected that the defendant has left the court’s jurisdiction. Importantly, even if the defendant is released without having to post a certain amount of money, he or she is required to come back to court; failure to do so can result in a bail jumping charge.

Because the judicial system depends on defendants being present in the courtroom for necessary court appearances, New Jersey law imposes harsh penalties for bail jumping. A person who jumps bail is subject to significant jail time, in addition to other penalties outlined below.

The Tormey Law Firm is a trial team of aggressive criminal defense lawyers, including an active New Jersey prosecutor. We have extensive experience handling a wide variety of criminal charges, including bail jumping, contempt of court, and simple assault in Bergen County and throughout New Jersey, including in Paramus, Hackensack, and Lyndhurst. To read just a few of our many victories in court, check out our success stories page. Also, find out why our clients have deemed us “superb” with consistent five-star ratings on Avvo.com.

Call us today at (201)-330-4979 for a free consultation about your charges, and continue reading this page for more information about bail jumping charges in New Jersey.

Bail Jumping in New Jersey: N.J.S.A. 2C:29-7

Bail jumping in New Jersey is codified in N.J.S.A. 2C:29-7, which provides, in pertinent part, that a person is guilty of bail jumping if he or she fails to appear in court after having been set free by court order or after having been issued a summons upon the condition that he or she will subsequently appear in court.

According to the statute, bail jumping in New Jersey is a third degree crime if the person failed to appear in court to answer a third degree charge (or higher). If the person failed to appear to answer a fourth degree charge, it is a fourth degree offense. And if the person failed to appear to answer a disorderly persons offense, then bail jumping is a disorderly persons offense.

Beyond that, many times, bail is provided by a bail bondsman who fronts the bail money in exchange for a fee. When a defendant skips bail and forfeits return of the money, some bail bondsmen are able to hire bounty hunters to track down the defendant.

There are defenses available to bail jumping in New Jersey. It is an affirmative defense if the person had a lawful excuse for failing to appear in court. For instance, it is a lawful excuse if the defendant was in the hospital or jail at the time of the court date. Additionally, it is an affirmative defense if the person can prove that he or she was unaware of a requirement to appear in court. This is because one of the elements that the prosecution must prove is that the defendant had prior knowledge of his or her obligation to appear at a particular court date.

Call the Tormey Law Firm in Bergen County, NJ for Immediate Assistance

We are aggressive criminal defense attorneys who know how to fight bail jumping charges in New Jersey. We are willing and able to negotiate with the other side, but we are also prepared to contest the charges at trial. We have gained a reputation in New Jersey for doing whatever is necessary to achieve a win in the courtroom, and we will use these strategies to secure a favorable result in your case. Call us today at (201)-330-4979 for a free consultation about your bail jumping charge and let us begin the process of successfully addressing your case.


NJ CRIMINAL LAW VIDEO LIBRARY

If you’ve been charged with a criminal offense, disorderly persons offense, or traffic / DWI violation, you have the right to an attorney who will defend you against your charges and fight for your best interests. To learn more about how your attorney can fight to have your charges dismissed or reduced, click a link below to see our video library of legal defenses and strategies.