Bail Jumping in Washington: Failing to Appear in Court

When someone is charged with a crime in Washington, one of the most important obligations is to appear at every scheduled court hearing. Failing to do so can lead to an additional charge called bail jumping. At the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer, we often see clients who missed court for reasons ranging from emergencies to simple misunderstandings. Unfortunately, the law treats these situations seriously, and a bail jumping charge can complicate your case significantly.

How Bail Jumping Is Charged

Under RCW 9A.76.170, a person commits bail jumping if they have been released by a court order, know they are required to appear, and fail to do so. This can apply to any type of criminal case, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. The prosecution does not have to prove why you missed court — only that you were ordered to appear and did not show up.

Penalties Depend on the Underlying Case

The severity of a bail jumping charge depends on the level of the original offense:

  • Felony Cases: Bail jumping is charged at the same level as the underlying felony (Class A, B, or C). This means if you miss court on a Class B felony, you may face an additional Class B felony charge.
  • Gross Misdemeanor Cases: Missing court can result in an additional gross misdemeanor charge, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.
  • Misdemeanor Cases: Bail jumping becomes a misdemeanor offense, with penalties up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

These penalties stack on top of the original charges, making it even more important to address the issue quickly.

Possible Defenses to Bail Jumping

While prosecutors treat bail jumping seriously, there are defenses available:

  • Lack of Notice: If you were never properly notified of your court date, the State may not be able to prove its case.
  • Uncontrollable Circumstances: Emergencies such as hospitalization, accidents, or other serious events may serve as a defense.
  • Challenge to Proof of Knowledge: The State must show you knew about the hearing and willfully failed to appear.

An experienced defense attorney can raise these issues, negotiate with prosecutors, and help minimize the impact on your case.

Missing a court date does not automatically mean you are guilty of bail jumping. The circumstances matter, and skilled legal representation can make the difference between additional criminal liability and a favorable resolution. At the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer, we fight to protect clients from the severe consequences of bail jumping charges while helping them get their cases back on track.

Contact our office today for a confidential consultation with the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer at (360) 334-6277.