Do’s and Don’ts of When You’re Released on Bail
Being arrested for a crime is no small thing, regardless of what the charge is. Whether it’s aggressive driving or committing fraud, getting arrested and going to jail can have very real consequences, such as fines, community service, spending time in jail, losing your job, losing friendships and other relationships, and more.
For many people facing criminal charges, there is an opportunity to post bail and be released from custody until your court hearing. Whether you post bail yourself, get a family member to pay bail on your behalf, or if you hire a bail bond service, being released from custody takes a lot of stress and anxiety out of the situation. But there are still important responsibilities and conditions that need to be followed. When the conditions of being released on bail aren’t followed, there are still serious consequences.
If you have been arrested and don’t have access to the required bail amount, call ASAP Bail Bonds. Our bail bondsman are available 24 hours a day and can bail you out of jail any time, day or night. We have years of experience helping defendants who have been arrested and charged with crimes. We have been through this process countless times and know exactly what the court needs and what your responsibilities are. You can trust that we’ll be there to help guide you through the entire process. We strive to be more than just a bail bonds company and we do this by providing exceptional service, low fees, and industry knowledge.
What You Should Do When Released on Bail
Go to Work
Not only is going to work a valuable and beneficial thing for yourself and your family, but it’s also often a condition of being released on bail. If someone is released from custody they are expected to keep their job. If they lose their job or are unemployed when they are released from jail, they must prove that they are seeking employment as a condition.
Have Friends Over
When you’re released from bail, it’s still OK to have fun and meet with your friends or family. While a typical condition of being released on bail is abstaining from drugs and alcohol, you can still have a responsible party so that you can feel like your life is as normal as possible.
Attend Parties
Unless being on house arrest is a condition of your bail, if you want to attend a work function, birthday party, Christmas party, or any other type of party that is outside of your home, that is totally reasonable. However, it’s important to recognize that there is some risk in attending an event where drugs or alcohol are present. If the police are called for a noise complaint or if there are minors consuming alcohol, for example, it could put you at risk of your bail being revoked. It is a privilege to be released from custody, so it’s best to play it safe.
Go to Your Court Hearing
This is the most important thing that you need to do when you are released from custody after an arrest. If you hired a bail bondsman to pay the bail on your behalf, and if you don’t appear at your hearing, you will be responsible for paying the entirety of the bail amount. In addition, when you don’t appear for your hearing, a warrant for your arrest will be issued and the bail bond company may hire a bail enforcement agent, or bounty hunter to find you. This can also lead to increased penalties for the initial crime you were charged for.
What You Shouldn’t Do When Released on Bail
Travel
A majority of bail conditions include not being able to travel outside of the country, and in some cases outside of the state, county, or town. If you absolutely need to leave the state, for a sick parent, for example, you can let the court or your bail bondsman know, and they may give consent. However, this is only in some cases, and it greatly depends on your flight risk, the severity of the crime, if there is a past criminal record, and other factors. Ultimately, you do not want to travel without getting permission from the court first. Otherwise, you will have broken a condition of your bail.
Break the Law
When you are released on bail, even a minor crime can lead to serious repercussions. For misdemeanor crimes, bail may be revoked, meaning that you are responsible for the full bail amount paid by a bail bond company. The second crime will also have its own process of court hearings, which can interfere with court dates from the first crime. For felony offenses, you may be charged with “crime bail crimes,” and this could add an additional two years to any penalty given for the second crime.
Partake in Drugs or Alcohol
Abstaining from drugs and alcohol is often a condition of being released on bail. If you consume drugs or alcohol and are arrested, this is a violation of the conditions and can lead to the same consequences mentioned above. When you go to a party or have friends over at home, it can be tempting to have a beer, but it’s always better to play it safe and stay within the conditions of your bail.
Possess Firearms or Ammunition
In some cases of domestic violence or felony charges, a condition of bail is being prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. If you currently possess firearms or ammunition, you may be required to file an affidavit of dispossession proving that you no longer possess the items. When you are in possession of firearms, it can increase the risk to the community.
Interact With Felons
Just like going to an event where drugs and alcohol are present can put you at risk, it is also a risk to associate yourself with other felons while released on bail. If there is a history of getting into trouble when you are with certain people, it’s best to avoid them and reduce the risk of anything happening. When you are arrested for a second crime while released on bail, it can mean some serious consequences.
When you are released on bail, it does provide some relief to a stressful situation, but there are very serious conditions that need to be followed and consequences when they are not. If you need help posting bail, don’t hesitate to contact ASAP Bail Bonds in Gwinnett County. We have years of experience helping defendants in a variety of cases, and we can help you understand what your responsibilities are. Our bail bond company offers some of the lowest fees, making it easier to afford bail and to continue leading a normal life. ASAP Bail Bonds is available 24 hours, so call us any time.