What happens if a defendant does not appear in court after being released on bail?

When a defendant is released on bail and then fails to appear in court, the consequences can be severe. The bail bondsman, who has secured the defendant's release by providing a bond to the court, becomes liable for the full bail amount. This means that if the defendant does not show up, the court will often invoke the bail, leading to financial repercussions for the bail bondsman, as they must cover the amount of the bond posted.

This system is in place to ensure that defendants adhere to court orders and appear for their scheduled hearings. The bail bondsman, having put up the financial guarantee for the defendant's release, bears the risk of the defendant not fulfilling their obligations.

In contrast, other options suggest scenarios that would not typically arise under such circumstances. A defendant is unlikely to simply be granted another chance without any consequences, nor is a new bail usually set in this context. The case cannot be dismissed solely due to the defendant's failure to appear; it usually results in additional legal action, including the potential for a bench warrant for arrest. Overall, the situation highlights the financial responsibilities and risks taken on by bail bondsmen in the bail system.