Missed Court Date
Failure to Appear Bail Bonds
A failure to appear may result in an order for arrest, bond forfeiture, or changed release conditions. Raleigh Bail Bonds helps families understand what to verify and when a new secured bond may be posted.
What Should I Do Now?
If someone missed a court date, the court may have issued an order for arrest. Confirm the defendant's custody status, whether a new secured bond has been set, and whether the original bond was forfeited.
Information to Verify
- Whether an order for arrest has been issued
- Whether the defendant is currently in custody
- Whether a new secured bond has been set
- Whether the original bond was forfeited
- The correct case number and next court date
- Whether additional warrants or holds exist
What Happens After a Failure to Appear
When a defendant fails to appear as required, the court may enter a bond forfeiture and issue an order for arrest. The defendant may be taken into custody, and a judicial official will determine new release conditions.
Order for Arrest
North Carolina law allows an order for arrest when a defendant fails to appear. The order may recommend or require specific release conditions for the new matter.
New Release Conditions
A judicial official determines whether a new secured bond, stricter conditions, or another release condition applies. A prior failure to appear may affect the release decision.
What a Bondsman Cannot Do
- Recall or clear an order for arrest
- Set aside a bond forfeiture
- Reschedule a court date
- Change the court's release conditions
- Guarantee a specific release time
When Can a Bondsman Help?
A licensed bondsman can help after a new secured appearance bond has been ordered. We review the available Wake County bond information, explain the premium and payment options, and prepare the surety bond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help After a Missed Court Date?
Call Raleigh Bail Bonds with the defendant's information and case details. We can review the available Wake County bond information and explain the next step.
Last reviewed: August 2026 — Reviewed by a licensed North Carolina bail bondsman.
This page provides general information about bail and pretrial release. It does not provide legal advice.