A Failure to Appear (FTA) is a charge issued by the court when the defendant (the accused) fails to appear to a scheduled court hearing. When the defendant fails to appear, forfeiture is determined during the court date in which the defendant failed to appear. Within 5 days after the issuance of the warrant, the court shall notify the surety (bail bond agent), in writing or by electronic means, that the warrant was issued. The court shall also set a hearing within a reasonable time not to exceed 60 days requiring the parties and any surety to show cause why the bond should not be forfeited. If the Defendant cannot be located before the forfeiture hearing, the bond will be forfeited.
If the defendant’s non-appearance was a result of a misunderstanding or unavoidable circumstance, the defendant may be able to reschedule his/her missed hearing by contacting the court and explaining their circumstance. If the court is willing to reschedule, then the bond forfeiture may be canceled at the next hearing. For more information, see the Cash Bond Depositor Instructions.