When someone is in custody, getting a bail bond can be liberating. However, you may lose your freedom between your release and hearing date. When you are out on bail, especially with a bail bond, you must stay on your best behavior. Failure to do so can land you back in jail.
The following are some of the most common reasons for defendants’ incarceration after they are out on bail.
Taking Drugs and Alcohol
While you await trial for an alcohol-related charge like a DUI, the court may prohibit you from drinking alcohol. To ensure compliance with the no-alcohol terms, the court may require you to submit to alcohol tests. You risk going back to jail if the tests are positive.
In the same way, your case can quickly become complicated if you test positive for other drugs. The use of hard drugs is often a huge crime, regardless of whether you’re out on bail.
Alcohol and certain drugs can also impair your judgment, and you might do something that might lead to your arrest. If you’re out on bail, you should generally avoid alcohol and drugs.
Quitting Your Job
Suppose you’re considering a career change; trying to do so while on bail is generally not a good idea. Keeping your job is not only crucial to paying any fines or legal fees, but it’s also a sign of a reliable community member in the court’s eyes.
If you leave a job you’ve held for a long time, the court may view it as a sign that you may be planning to flee. So, while you’re out on bail, try to maintain stable employment.
Associating With Specific People
The court may prevent you from contacting someone if there is reason to believe they had a role in the incident that led to your arrest. You may also have to refrain from contacting parties with protective orders against you, such as victims or witnesses, by phone, text, or other means. Failure to obey such orders will result in you going back to jail.
Regardless of whether there is a court requirement that you avoid anyone, you should stay away from people who may negatively impact your situation.
Missing Your Court Date
The whole purpose of a bail bond is to make sure the defendant appears at their scheduled court hearings. Therefore, showing up to court is the most important way to avoid going back to jail.
Missing a court appearance can also lead to charges for breaching release conditions. Additionally, you are at risk of forfeiting your bail bond, and there is a high probability that you will not be able to obtain a bond again in the future.
Traveling Outside Your Requisite Location
Depending on your bail agreement, you may have to remain within your city or state until your hearing is over. Your bail bond agent may also require you to check in with them as part of your contract.
You would need special permission for any kind of travel. The courts and your bail bond agent will likely be suspicious of you if you leave without prior notice, even if you have a valid reason, because you may not show up in court if you leave town illegally.
Ignoring Your Bond Co-signer
To secure a bail bond, you may need a cosigner who acts as your guarantor, ensuring that you adhere to the bail terms. Sadly, many people take their co-signers for granted and ignore them once they get out of jail.
Do not mistreat your co-signer, as they may conclude you will not appear at the hearing. In such a case, the person can revoke their guarantee. Revocation of a bail bond guarantee leads to the issuance of a warrant, and then you are back in the hands of the authorities.
So, even though you may feel frustrated to have someone always watching you, try to cooperate.
Ultimately, as long as you stay out of trouble, there will likely be no reason to arrest you again. You can work with a bail bond agent that will ensure you don’t make any mistakes.
To begin the bail bond application process, contact Hand In Hand Bail Bonds today.
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