Abscond

Abscond refers to the act of leaving hurriedly and secretly, typically to avoid detection or arrest. This term is often used in legal contexts to describe situations where individuals evade law enforcement or fail to appear in court as required.

Etymology

The word "abscond" originates from the Latin abscondere, meaning "to hide away." It is a combination of ab-, meaning "away," and condere, meaning "to stow."

Legal Implications

Absconding can have serious legal consequences. In many jurisdictions, failing to appear in court or evading law enforcement can result in additional charges, fines, and penalties. For example, in the United States, absconding while on bail can lead to forfeiture of the bail amount and additional criminal charges.

Types of Absconding

There are several contexts in which absconding can occur:

• Bail Jumping: When an individual fails to appear in court after being released on bail.
• Parole Violation: When a parolee fails to report to their parole officer or leaves the jurisdiction without permission.
• Escape from Custody: When an individual escapes from prison or detention.

Related Legal Terms

• Fugitive
• Bail
• Parole
• Extradition
• Warrant (law)

Preventive Measures

Law enforcement agencies employ various measures to prevent absconding, including:

• Electronic monitoring
• Regular check-ins with parole officers
• Travel restrictions

See Also

• Fugitive
• Bail
• Parole
• Extradition
• Warrant (law)