At Law Office of Michael L. Fell, we understand that facing felony charges can be overwhelming and frightening. As a result, some people choose not to appear in court. Whether it’s because they’re afraid of facing the consequences, or because they don’t have a criminal defense attorney to help them, this is never a good idea.

In the instance that a person is out on bail, they may be caught committing another crime. Even the most minor of crimes can lead to extensive sentence enhancements. If either of these descriptions applies to your case, we implore you not to worry. We can help you. Read on to learn more about the seriousness of these cases and then call us at (949) 585-9055 for a free consultation.

What happens when you commit a crime while you’re out on bail?

California law makes it clear that if a person is out on bail and they commit another crime, they will be facing a sentence enhancement of an additional two years in prison, which is served consecutively to the sentence they otherwise get. For example, a person who was charged with a crime that came with a 15 year prison sentence would be looking at a sentence of at least 17 years if they committed another crime while out on bond. This includes minor crimes that would otherwise result in sentences of community service.

What happens when you fail to appear after you’ve been released on bond in a felony case?

Failure to appear when out on bond for a felony charge comes with additional criminal charges as well. Not appearing for a court appearance is actually a felony and can come with up to three years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. If you failed to appear when you’d been let out on your own recognizance, you could be look at up to three years in jail and fines of up to $5,000.

What happens when you fail to appear on misdemeanor charges?

If you don’t show up to a court appearance for a misdemeanor case then a bench warrant will be issued for your arrest. It can also result in up to six months in jail and fines of up to $1,000.

What are your options when faced with any of the above issues?

The most important thing to know is that your situation is not helpless. No matter what you’ve been charged with and no matter how many mistakes you made after your arrest, a criminal defense attorney can still consider your case and find defense options for you.

In many cases, Law Office of Michael L. Fell is able to negotiate with the prosecutor and get a warrant recalled, or have the failure to appear case dismissed. If there were mitigating circumstances, we can explain them to the court. Even if there weren’t, we will search to find the best way to present your case. Don’t let one mistake ruin the rest of your life. Contact us today at (949) 585-9055 for a free consultation.