Fugitive Recovery in Texas: What Happens If You Skip Bail?

 Posted on June 27, 2025 in Bail Bonds

Skipping bail in Texas is a serious decision with serious consequences. When you fail to appear in court after being released on bond, not only are you risking forfeiting your freedom, but you set a legal process in motion. This legal process can include additional criminal charges, a revoked bond, and the involvement of fugitive recovery agents, also known as bounty hunters.

The state of Texas allows bounty hunters to locate and return those who have skipped bail. This process generally moves very quickly and may end up being less than pleasant for the person who skipped bail. If you or a loved one failed to show up for a court date, it will be assumed that you had no intention of showing up.

Whether this assumption is valid or not, it is extremely important that you contact an experienced McKinney, TX bail bondsman from Doc's Bail Bonds. As one of the oldest and largest bail bond companies in North Texas, we have a stellar reputation. Your questions will be answered thoroughly and honestly by an experienced bail bondsman.

What Does It Mean to Skip Bail in Texas?

When you fail to show up for a scheduled court date, you will face Failure to Appear (FTA) charges. Before being released on bail, you will be required to sign paperwork, that is, essentially, your agreement to appear in court as required. Skipping bail is a separate criminal offense, as detailed in Texas Penal Code Section 38.10. The following penalties apply:

• If the original charge for which you bonded out was a felony offense, then your failure to appear for your court date will be charged as a third-degree felony. You could face from two to 10 years in prison, along with a fine of up to $10,000 for this offense.
• If the original charge for which you bonded out was either a Class A or B misdemeanor, then you could face a Class A misdemeanor for failure to appear. The penalties for this offense are up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.   

What Are the Immediate Legal Consequences of Skipping Bail?

Skipping bail by failing to appear for a scheduled court appearance can result in a court-ordered bench warrant, forfeiture of bail, financial consequences for co-signers, and the additional criminal charge of bail jumping. You could also face a driver’s license suspension and will likely be assessed significant fines, fees, and court costs for your failure to appear.   

What is Fugitive Recovery?

Bounty hunters (fugitive recovery agents) are not licensed in Texas but must meet certain state legal requirements. Texas bounty hunters are also not law enforcement officers. Typically, bounty hunters are employees of PI firms or security guard companies and are prohibited from presenting himself or herself as law enforcement officers.

Bounty hunters trace paper trails, engage in surveillance, and interview known associates of the person who jumped bail. Texas law requires a court-ordered warrant for a fugitive recovery agent to enter a person’s home without permission.

What Should You Do if You Inadvertently Miss a Court Date?

It is important to act quickly if you miss a court date while out on bond. Notify your attorney immediately; he or she may be able to reschedule your hearing. You should also notify your bail bondsman immediately, as he or she may be able to assist your attorney. If you have a true emergency, you can provide documentation to back up your claim. Surrendering voluntarily is your best course of action if a bench warrant has already been issued.   

Contact a Denton County, TX Bail Bondsman

Skipping bail in Texas turns a bad but manageable situation into a much more complicated one. Choosing a Dallas, TX bail bondsman from Doc's Bail Bonds means you are dealing with a trustworthy company with multiple locations across the state.

As a result of his prior career as the manager of a professional baseball team, Doc fully understands what it takes to build a strong team, and you will see this attention to detail in every aspect of Doc's Bail Bonds. Call 214-747-4110 to speak to a highly skilled Texas bail bondsman today.