Bail Bonds
For Failure to Appear (FTA)

When an individual fails to appear in court as required, the consequences can be serious. One major consequence is the imposition of a bond amount, also known as bail, which serves as a financial incentive to ensure the individual attends future court dates. The bond amount for a Failure to Appear (FTA) charge can vary based on several factors and may be influenced by specific Nevada laws.

Factors That Influence the Bond Amount for FTA

The court considers multiple factors when determining the bond amount for a Failure to Appear charge:

1. Severity of the Original Charge:

   • Felony charges typically result in higher bond amounts compared to misdemeanors.
   • For example, failing to appear for a felony theft case will usually carry a higher bond than missing a court date for a traffic violation.

2. Criminal History:

   • Individuals with prior FTAs or a criminal record may face higher bond amounts as courts view them as higher flight risks.

3. Flight Risk:

   • Courts evaluate factors like employment stability, family ties in the community, and past compliance with court orders to assess flight risk.

4. Public Safety Considerations:

   • If the individual is considered a danger to the community, the bond amount may be set higher.

5. Judge’s Discretion:

   • Nevada judges have the authority to consider all relevant factors and set a bond amount they deem appropriate.

Nevada Laws and Guidelines Regarding FTA Bonds

In Nevada, Failure to Appear is governed by Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) § 199.335. This statute states that a person who willfully fails to appear in court after being released on bail or their own recognizance can face additional criminal penalties. The severity of these penalties depends on the nature of the underlying charge:

• For misdemeanor cases:
  
  • FTA can result in a separate misdemeanor charge, potentially adding up to six months in jail and/or fines.
• For felony cases:
  
  • FTA can be charged as a felony itself, leading to more significant penalties and higher bond amounts.

Typical Bond Amounts for FTA in Nevada

While bond amounts vary, some general ranges apply:

• Misdemeanor FTA: Bonds may range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the circumstances.
• Felony FTA: Bonds are typically set between $5,000 and $20,000 or more, especially if the original charge was serious.

These figures are estimates and subject to change based on the judge’s assessment and local bail schedules.

How Bail Bonds Work for FTA Charges

If someone cannot afford to pay the full bond amount, they may turn to a bail bondsman. Bail bond companies typically charge a non-refundable fee of 10% to 15% of the total bail amount. For example, if the court sets bail at $10,000, the defendant would pay the bail bondsman $1,000 to $1,500 to secure release.

If the defendant fails to appear again, the bail bond company may employ bounty hunters to locate them and return them to custody.

Reducing or Waiving the Bond Amount

Defendants may request a bond reduction hearing to argue for a lower amount. Successfully reducing the bond often involves showing:

• Strong community ties
• Steady employment
• No history of previous FTAs
• Valid reasons for missing the original court date (e.g., medical emergencies)

An experienced criminal defense attorney can assist with these hearings and improve the chances of obtaining a more affordable bond amount.