Mobile County (Primary)
Mobile County Bail Bonds
Main Jail: Mobile County Metro Jail
450 St. Emanuel Street, Mobile, AL 36603
Inmate Info: (251) 574-6412
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Alabama · Mobile County · 24/7 Available
Failure To Appear
Bail Bonds
Missing a court date in Alabama triggers a bench warrant and a Bail Jumping charge on top of the original offense. Every hour the warrant sits active makes the situation worse. M&J Bail Bonds handles failure to appear and bench warrant situations 24/7 — call immediately.
Table Of Contents
Jump straight to the Alabama failure to appear bail bond information you need. Every section below covers a common question families have after a missed court date or bench warrant.
Counties We Serve
Mobile County, Baldwin County, Escambia County, Clarke County, and statewide Alabama coverage.
What Are Failure to Appear Bail Bonds?
How FTA bail bonds work and what happens after a bench warrant.
Alabama FTA Statute
Bail Jumping 1st and 2nd Degree under Ala. Code §§ 13A-10-39, 13A-10-40.
Bail Jumping Penalties in Alabama
Fines and jail/prison exposure for missing court.
What an FTA Bail Bond Costs
Typical new bail ranges and how the state-regulated premium is calculated.
Payment Plans
Flexible options for families who need help covering the premium.
Who Qualifies for Bail?
When bail is usually available after an FTA and what can block release.
Benefits of Using M&J
Why families call M&J after a missed court date.
The Bail Process After a Bench Warrant
The step-by-step process from warrant to release.
Our Reviews
Verified Google reviews from Alabama families we have helped.
FTA Situations We Handle
Failure to appear situations we can help post bail for.
What We Need When You Call
The information that helps us locate the defendant fast.
Failure to Appear Bail Bond FAQs
Answers to the most common Alabama FTA bail questions.
Our Coverage
Alabama Counties
We Serve
M&J Bail Bonds is headquartered in Mobile, Alabama and posts DUI bail bonds across the state. Our primary coverage counties are listed below. Don't see your county? Call us — we serve all of Alabama.
View Mobile County
Baldwin County
Baldwin County Bail Bonds
Main Jail: Baldwin County Corrections Center
Serving: Daphne, Fairhope, Foley, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach
Escambia County
Escambia County Bail Bonds
Main Jail: Escambia County Jail
Serving: Brewton and surrounding communities
Clarke County
Clarke County Bail Bonds
Main Jail: Clarke County Jail
Serving: Jackson, Grove Hill, Thomasville
All Of Alabama
Statewide Coverage
Don't see your county?
We post DUI bail bonds across all of Alabama.
Call us with the county of arrest.
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Our agents are standing by — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Call (833) MNJ-BAIL Now Start ApplicationFailure To Appear Bail Bonds Explained
What Are
FTA Bail Bonds?
When a defendant misses a scheduled court date in Alabama, two things happen simultaneously: the judge issues a bench warrant for their immediate arrest, and the original bail bond goes into forfeiture. If M&J Bail Bonds was the bondsman on the original bond, we have a court-defined window to locate the defendant and return them to court. If the defendant cannot be returned, the full bail amount is forfeited.
A failure to appear bail bond is posted after a new bail amount is set for the FTA situation — which is almost always higher than the original bail. M&J pays the full new bail amount to the court and you pay the 10% state-regulated premium (Ala. Code § 12-19-311).
Court dates and case status can be verified through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts. The official statute text is also available through the Alabama Legislature's official site.
The Most Important Thing
Call us immediately after a missed court date — or the moment you realize there is a bench warrant. Every hour the warrant is active increases the risk of a traffic stop arrest and makes the situation more complicated to resolve.
Alabama Failure To Appear Statute
A plain-English breakdown of what happens the moment a court date is missed in Alabama, which statutes apply, and how forfeiture and new bail interact.
Ala. Code §§ 13A-10-39 · 13A-10-40Bail Jumping 2nd — Class A Misdemeanor
Under Ala. Code § 13A-10-40, failing to appear on a misdemeanor charge or non-felony citation is itself a Class A misdemeanor, carrying a fine of up to $6,000 and up to 1 year in jail — on top of the original charge.
Bail Jumping 1st — Class C Felony
Under Ala. Code § 13A-10-39, failing to appear on a felony charge is a Class C felony, carrying a fine of up to $15,000 and 1 year and 1 day to 10 years in state prison.
Immediate Bench Warrant
Alabama courts do not send warning letters. The moment a defendant misses a scheduled appearance, the judge signs a bench warrant that can be served anywhere — including during a routine traffic stop, at work, or at home.
Bond Goes Into Forfeiture
The original bail bond enters forfeiture proceedings under Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 7.6. The bondsman has a statutory window to locate the defendant and return them to court before the full bail amount is paid to the court.
View the full text of Ala. Code § 13A-10-39 →
What Happens Immediately After An FTA
1) The judge issues a bench warrant that can be served immediately, including during a routine traffic stop. 2) The original bail bond enters forfeiture proceedings under Rule 7.6. 3) A Bail Jumping charge is added to the defendant's record. 4) New bail is set — almost always higher than the original. 5) The bondsman has a statutory window to locate and return the defendant before forfeiture is finalized.
Ala. Code §§ 13A-10-39 · 13A-10-40 · This page provides general legal information only. It is not legal advice. Consult a licensed Alabama attorney regarding your specific situation.
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Start Bail ApplicationAlabama DUI Penalties
What Are The Penalties For Bail Jumping In Alabama?
Missing court in Alabama adds an entirely new charge on top of the original case. Here is what a Bail Jumping conviction carries under Ala. Code §§ 13A-10-39 and 13A-10-40:
Bail Jumping 2nd Degree
Class A Misdemeanor- Applies To
- FTA on a misdemeanor or non-felony citation
- Fine
- Up to $6,000
- Jail
- Up to 1 year
- Other
- Added on top of the original misdemeanor charge
Bail Jumping 1st Degree
Class C Felony- Applies To
- FTA on a felony charge
- Fine
- Up to $15,000
- Prison
- 1 year and 1 day – 10 years
- Other
- Added on top of the original felony charge
License Suspensions & State Fees
License suspensions are administered by the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) — view official license suspension information →. First and second offenses also carry a $100 Impaired Drivers Trust Fund fee (§ 32-5A-191.2).
Two Charges, Not One
After a failure to appear, the defendant faces two separate matters: the original charge they were bailed out for, and the new Bail Jumping charge. Both must be resolved, and the new bail reflects both matters combined.
Bench Warrant — No Warning
Alabama courts do not send warning letters before issuing a bench warrant. The moment court is missed, the warrant is issued. It will be served the next time the defendant encounters law enforcement — including routine traffic stops and background checks.
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Start Bail ApplicationWhat To Expect
How Much Is Bail After A Failure To Appear In Alabama?
Bail after an FTA is set by the presiding judge and is almost always higher than the original bail, because judges treat a missed court date as evidence of flight risk. The table below reflects typical ranges seen in Mobile County and across Alabama. Your actual amount may be higher or lower.
Charge Level
Avg Bail Range
Your Cost (10%)
01FTA on Misdemeanor
Bail: $2,500 – $10,000
Your cost: $250 – $1,000
02FTA on Class D Felony
Bail: $10,000 – $25,000
Your cost: $1,000 – $2,500
03FTA on Class C Felony
Bail: $20,000 – $50,000
Your cost: $2,000 – $5,000
04FTA on Class B Felony
Bail: $50,000 – $150,000
Your cost: $5,000 – $15,000
05FTA on Class A Felony
Bail: $100,000 – $500,000+
Your cost: $10,000 – $50,000+
How The Math Works
Alabama law (Ala. Code § 12-19-311) sets the bail bond premium at exactly 10% of the total bail amount — including new bail set after a failure to appear. That is the non-refundable fee paid to M&J Bail Bonds to post your bond. Because FTA bail is almost always higher than the original bail, the premium is higher too. Our agents will walk you through the exact total, including Alabama state administrative fees, before anything is signed.
Read the statute: Ala. Code § 12-19-311
10%State-Set Premium
Premium rate verified by FindLaw →
Bail amounts shown are general estimates based on typical Mobile County bail practices. Actual bail is set by the court and varies by judge, criminal history, charge severity, prior FTAs, and other factors. This is general information only — not legal advice.
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Start Bail ApplicationFlexible Payment Options
Payment Plans
For Real Families
Most families don't have the full 10% premium sitting in a checking account — and that is completely normal. M&J Bail Bonds offers flexible payment arrangements tailored to your financial situation so cost is never the reason your loved one stays in jail longer than necessary.
Payment Plans
We work with you on a payment schedule for the premium. Ask our agents about monthly payment arrangements when you call. No two situations are the same — we will find something that works for your family.
Collateral Options
Depending on the bond amount, collateral may or may not be required. Many DUI bonds — especially first and second offenses — do not require collateral at all. Ask us about your specific situation.
Multiple Payment Methods
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex, ACH / bank transfer, Zelle, and cash. Ask about which methods work best for your payment plan arrangement.
Important
The 10% premium is non-refundable under Alabama law — it is earned the moment the bond is posted, regardless of how the case resolves, even if charges are dropped. This is not M&J policy — it is Alabama state law (Ala. Code § 12-19-311). Our agents will explain this fully before you sign anything.
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Start Bail ApplicationBail Eligibility
Who Qualifies For Bail?
Most Alabama FTA and bench warrant situations are still bailable — but a missed court date is treated as one of the most serious underwriting red flags. These scenarios can raise the bail amount, require collateral, or lead a judge to deny bail entirely.
FTA On A Misdemeanor
Bail is available in nearly every case, but it is set higher than the original amount.
- New bail typically $2,500–$10,000
- Must turn self in or be arrested on the warrant
- Bail Jumping 2nd Degree charge added
Citations
Ala. Code § 13A-10-40 (Bail Jumping 2nd Degree)
FTA On A Felony
Bail is usually available but significantly higher, and collateral is almost always required.
- Judge views FTA as a flight risk — bail set higher
- Bail Jumping 1st Degree charge added
- Collateral almost always required
Citations
Ala. Code § 13A-10-39 (Bail Jumping 1st Degree)
Multiple Prior FTAs
A pattern of missed court dates is a severe underwriting red flag and can push bail out of reach.
- Bail may be set extremely high
- Judge may refuse to set bail at all
- Financed terms become far harder to approve
Citations
Ala. R. Crim. P. 7.3 (Bail Hearings)
FTA On An Aniah's Law Charge
Fleeing on a charge where Aniah's Law applies is treated as the most serious flight risk possible.
- Bail likely denied if not already denied
- Aniah Hearing may be held before any bail decision
- Call us immediately to confirm whether this applies
Citations
Ala. Const. Art. 1 § 16 (as amended 2022)
No Cosigner Or No Local Ties
An underwriting policy, not a criminal statute. Without a qualified cosigner or Alabama ties, financed terms can't be approved — this is even more strictly applied after a prior FTA.
- Out-of-state defendant
- No verifiable income or employment history
- No cosigner and no collateral available
Citations
Ala. Code § 12-19-311 governs the premium itself; financing eligibility is a separate approval decision made by the surety.
Who Usually Qualifies
First-time FTAs on misdemeanor or low-level felony charges almost always receive new bail — just set higher than before. Most defendants who turn themselves in voluntarily are bondable the same day.
Who Doesn't Qualify Automatically
Multiple prior FTAs, or an FTA on a charge covered by Aniah's Law, can lead a judge to deny bail entirely. Call us immediately and we will tell you exactly what the current warrant shows.
Not sure if a warrant has been issued or what the new bail is? Call us now — we can look it up for you.
Call (833) MNJ-BAIL Start ApplicationWhy M&J Bail Bonds
Benefits Of Using
M&J Bail Bonds
When someone you love is in custody for a DUI in Alabama, you need a bondsman who moves fast, communicates clearly, and never leaves you wondering. Here is what sets M&J apart.
24/7 Live Agents
We answer at 2 AM the same way we answer at 2 PM. Real people, every call, every day of the year including holidays.
10% State-Regulated Rate
Alabama law sets the premium — we charge exactly that. Nothing padded. Nothing hidden. No surprise fees after the paperwork is signed.
Fast Booking Search
Give us a name and county and we start working immediately. We often locate the booking record before you arrive.
Free House Calls
Can't come to our office? Our mobile agents come to you — home, work, or the jail itself — to complete all necessary paperwork.
Multi-State Licensed
We are licensed in Alabama, Ohio, Texas, and Florida. One number, one team, any state. No confusion about who handles what.
Federal & Immigration Bonds
We handle the full spectrum — including federal charges and immigration bonds — with the same speed and care as standard DUI proceedings.
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Start Bail ApplicationStep By Step
The Bail Process
After An Alabama Bench Warrant
A failure to appear follows a different sequence than a first arrest — voluntary surrender matters, and a new bail amount has to be set before a bond can be posted. Here is exactly what happens.
1
Step 1 — Call M&J Before Anything Else
Before the defendant turns themselves in, call us. We locate the warrant, identify the new bail amount if set, and prepare all paperwork so release happens immediately upon surrender.
2
Step 2 — Voluntary Surrender vs. Warrant Arrest
Voluntary surrender to the Mobile County Metro Jail (450 St. Emanuel Street) is almost always treated more favorably by the court than a warrant arrest during a traffic stop. The Mobile County Sheriff's Office handles warrant processing.
3
Step 3 — New Bail Is Set
A judge sets new bail — almost always higher than the original. We monitor via the Who's In Jail search and tell you the moment bail is set.
4
Step 4 — Costs Explained Upfront
The new 10% premium on the new bail amount (Ala. Code § 12-19-311), Alabama state fees, collateral requirements (likely on FTA bonds), and payment options are all explained before you sign anything.
5
Step 5 — Bond Posted — Immediate Release
Our agent posts the new bond at the Mobile County Metro Jail. Release typically happens within 2–6 hours. Strict compliance with all court dates going forward is non-negotiable — verify court dates at alacourt.gov.
Real Families. Real Results.
What Families Say
About M&J Bail Bonds
Real feedback from Alabama families we've helped release loved ones — sourced live from Google.
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Start Bail ApplicationRelated Charges
FTA Situations
We Handle
Failure to appear and bench warrant situations come in many forms. We post bail for all of them. Click any situation below to learn more about a related charge.
Not sure which category applies? Call us — we will look up the booking record and tell you exactly what charge was filed and what bail was set. This information is general — not legal advice.
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Start Bail ApplicationBe Prepared
What We Need When You Call
Defendant's Full Legal Name
First and last. If you only have a first name, a date of birth helps us find the right record.
Date Of Birth
Prevents confusion when multiple people share the same name.
City Or County Of Arrest
Tells us which jail to check first and speeds up the search.
Booking Number
Not required — but if you have it, it cuts the search time significantly.
Don't have all of this? Call us anyway. We can often locate the record with just a name and approximate location.
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Start Bail ApplicationCommon Questions
Failure To Appear
Bail Bond FAQs
We know you have questions and you need answers fast. Here are the most common questions families ask us about failure to appear and bench warrants in Alabama.
Still have questions? Call (833) MNJ-BAIL — we answer 24/7 and can look up the booking record while we talk.