Being arrested and put in jail can be a harrowing experience. Once you’ve been granted bail and allowed to return to the outside world, it’s natural to want to put the whole ordeal behind you as quickly as possible.
However, there are certain restrictions that come with being out on bail, and it’s important to be aware of them before you make any decisions that could jeopardize your case. In this blog post, we’ll give you a brief overview of what you can and can’t do while you’re out on bail.
What You Can’t Do While Out On Bail
First and foremost, it’s important to remember that you are still considered a defendant in a criminal case and are therefore subject to the same rules and regulations as if you were still in custody. This means that you must adhere to any conditions of release that were imposed by the court. Some of the common restrictions you’re likely to face include:
- Obeying a curfew
- Abstaining from alcohol or drugs
- Refraining from contact with the victim or witnesses in your case
If you violate any of these conditions, you could be taken back into custody and made to await trial from behind bars. This can create more turbulence in what is already a high-stress situation.
For example, if you’re facing charges of domestic violence, one of the conditions of your release may be to stay away from the victim. If you violate this condition and have any kind of contact with the victim – even if it’s just a phone call – you could be taken back into custody and charged with additional crimes.
This can set off a chain reaction that causes a variety of other problems in your life. Even if you’re eventually found innocent, you’ll have missed a significant amount of time from work (likely losing your job), and it will not look good for any further or ongoing custody disputes.
In addition, while you are out on bail, it is important not to leave the country without first obtaining permission from the court. If you do so, you will be considered a fugitive and may be subject to extradition proceedings. Additionally, if you are found to have violated the terms of your bail, the court may revoke your bail and order that you be taken back into custody.
What You Shouldn’t Do While Out On Bail
Some things you might not be expressly forbidden from doing, but you should probably steer clear of any way in case it puts you in a vulnerable position. For instance, you might not be ordered to stay away from the victim in your case, but it would still be in your best interest to do so.
This is especially true if you’re out on bail for a violent crime. If you have any contact with the victim – even if it’s completely innocent – and they report it to the authorities, this could be seen as you trying to intimidate them. Any leniency you might have received could go right out the window!
When determining whether you should do something that you’re not disallowed to do, try to work through the specific scenarios in your head. Assume the worst possible outcome. If that’s not something that you can live with, then you are better off avoiding the temptation.
What You Can Do
Some things you can do while out on bail include, but are not limited to:
- Attending all court hearings
- Staying within the jurisdiction of the court
- Paying your bail in full
- Honoring any other special circumstances as ordered
- Go to work
- Continue to meet your obligations, both personal and professional
Again, breaching any of the conditions of your release could land you back in jail. So be sure to check with an attorney or the court if you have any questions about what is and isn’t allowed.
Treading Lightly While Out On Bail Is the Best Course of Action
Being out on bail gives you the opportunity to await your trial from the comfort of your own home rather than from a jail cell. However, it’s important to understand that there are certain restrictions that come with that freedom.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with the conditions of your release so that you don’t inadvertently violate them and end up back in custody. For more info, check out some of our other blog posts or contact PCS Bail Bonds today to get the ball rolling on your bond.