Mark Steven Howard

When setting bail for someone arrested for child abuse, stalking, elderly abuse, or domestic violence crimes, the magistrate must carefully review the facts and consider the defendant's danger to others and flight risk before deciding if bail is appropriate and how much it should be.

Penalty: Violation

It is illegal to knowingly fail to appear in court when you've been summoned, arrested with a court-ordered release condition, cited instead of arrested, or issued a criminal summons. Failure to appear is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months 29 days in jail and a $2,500 fine. A defense exists if you had a reasonable excuse for missing the court date.

Penalty: Class A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500