When Is a Defendant Considered a Flight Risk?

 Posted on September 11,2024 in Bail Bonds

In our last blog, we stated that one of the reasons a bail bondsman might refuse to work with a particular defendant is because the defendant is at risk of fleeing rather than returning to court. When a defendant fails to appear in court again after bail is posted by a bondsman, the bondsman must go through the process of seizing any collateral offered or tracking down the defendant and forcing him to respond to his charges. Most defendants are not considered flight risks and are able to make bail, often with the help of a bondsman. However, there are a few factors that might suggest a particular defendant is likely to flee after bonding out. A Dallas, TX bail bonds professional can help you understand why you or the arrestee you are helping may or may not be considered a flight risk.

Having Strong Ties to the Area Reduces Flight Risk 

People with strong ties to the Dallas area are less likely to flee. If you have been at the same job for years and own a home, or if you have a spouse and children or an elderly parent who you are responsible for supporting or providing care for, your risk of fleeing would be very low. The same may be said if you have lived in the area for almost all of your life and have no strong ties to any other location.

However, if you are new to the Dallas area, have no family living locally, or did not plan to make Texas your permanent state of residence, you might be considered more likely to flee back to your former hometown.

The Severity of Your Charges and Criminal History Matters 

Few people will flee town over a DUI or minor assault charge. The personal cost of leaving the area and the risk of re-arrest is usually not worth it if you are charged with a relatively minor offense. However, if you are accused of a very serious crime, like murder or a high-level white-collar crime that could result in a long prison sentence, you might be more likely to see fleeing as worth it.

If you have multiple prior convictions, especially if you have a history of missing court appearances, securing a bail bond might be more difficult.

Contact a Dallas County, TX Bail Bondsman 

A Dallas, TX bail bonds professional may be able to help you post bail and get out of jail quickly. Doc's Bail Bonds can work with most people who have been arrested locally. Contact us at 214-747-4110 to speak with a licensed bail bonds professional.