3 Things You Shouldn't Do When Out On Bail

Posted on: 5 December 2018

If you've been arrested, the court will set a bail amount for you. Once you pay that amount, you'll be free to leave the jail until your court date. If you can't afford to pay bail on your own, and you don't have anyone willing to post bail for you, you can hire a bail bondsman. A bail bond is a loan given for a small fee, and usually, you will have to give the bail bondsman some kind of collateral to assure you'll show up in court. Once you've been released on bail, here are three things you shouldn't do.

1. Don't get arrested. 

Once you've been released from jail, you have your freedom until you need to be back in court. However, that can change if you're arrested again. If you find yourself back in jail, you may not be eligible for release on bail. If you are eligible, you may have to pay even more money this time. Being arrested again may also make it more likely that you will be convicted of a crime in court. It doesn't matter if you're arrested for the same charge or a different charge; both can have a negative impact on your case.

2. Don't ignore the conditions of your bail.

When you're released on bail, the judge who determined your bail may set additional conditions on your release. According to Lawyers.com, you may be told to abstain from alcohol, keep away from certain criminal associates, find a job, or be home by a certain time. While some of these requirements may seem harsh, it's important that you take them seriously. If you're found to be in violation of your bail, you can be arrested and held in jail until your trial. It's in your best interest to do everything the judge asks of you.

3. Don't miss your court date.

Finally, the worst thing you can do when you're out on bail is to miss your court date. When you show up in court, your bail amount is returned to the bail bondsman. After the trial, the bondsman will return your collateral, and your business will be concluded. However, if you don't show up, the court will keep your bail; at this point, your bail bond will be in default. Your bondsman will keep your collateral, and you may owe them additional money.

Bail bonds are a great resource for people who are unable to pay their own bail. If you obey the law and follow all the conditions of your bail, bail bonding is a very affordable solution. If you find yourself out on bail, just avoid doing these three things.

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