Yes, the Bail Jumping statute (N.J.S.A. 2C:29-7) is centered around the idea that the state has released you from custody with clear guidance of when you are to return for scheduled hearings.
But sometimes the situation changes, hearings are postponed, and your connection to the case can become tenuous.
The statute states, “It is an affirmative defense for the defendant to prove, by a preponderance of evidence, that he did not knowingly fail to appear,” which means that if you can demonstrate convincingly that you did not know about a court date, that you cannot be convicted of Bail Jumping.
Because Bail Jumping is often charged as an indictable (felony) offense, it’s very important that you take the charge seriously and retain counsel who can help protect you from overzealous prosecutors.
Matthew Reisig represents clients all over New Jersey facing charges of all kinds.
If proven, Bail Jumping can damage not only the criminal case you were facing to begin with, but leave you with a criminal record for life.
Call 732-625-9661 today and speak to an experienced New Jersey Bail Jumping attorney for free.