If a defendant fails to appear in court, what is a likely consequence?

When a defendant fails to appear in court, one of the primary consequences is that they may face potential additional charges as well as bond forfeiture. This means that not only could the defendant be charged with a new offense related to their failure to appear (often referred to as "failure to appear" charges), but the court may also order that the bond amount provided for their release is forfeited.

The forfeiture occurs because the bond serves as a form of assurance that the defendant will return to court as required. When a defendant fails to appear, it breaks the conditions under which the bond was issued, prompting the court to reclaim those funds. This ensures the accountability of the defendant and serves as a deterrent against further absconding.

The other options do not align with the typical legal consequences associated with a failure to appear. Immediate trial postponement does not necessarily occur as a direct result of such a failure; often, the case moves forward with regard to the defendant who did appear. Release from all obligations is not accurate, as failing to appear typically intensifies the obligations and consequences for the defendant. Likewise, the appointment of a new bail agent is not a standard consequence; the original bond arrangement is usually considered void due to the failure to comply