Missing a court appearance while out on bail can lead to serious consequences. The court system treats bail conditions with utmost seriousness, and failing to adhere to them can result in bail forfeiture and the issuance of an arrest warrant. If you miss a court date while out on bail, your first step should be to contact your bail bond agent to explore your options.

When someone is arrested in the Twin Cities metro area or elsewhere in Minnesota, they are taken into custody and brought before a judge. The judge will then decide whether to set bail, deny it, or release the defendant on their own recognizance. If bail is set, the judge determines the amount required for the defendant’s release. In Minnesota, defendants can typically pay the bail amount directly to the court or work with a trusted bail bondsman. This process is an essential part of the criminal justice system in Minnesota. A common question we receive is whether you need to wait to see a judge before posting bail.