While a defendant’s case is still making its way through the justice system, the defendant can pay bail for their release from custody. A defendant can secure a loan for the bail amount from a bail bonds company.
To maintain your freedom while out on bail, you are often required to meet certain conditions the court sets. The purpose of the requirements is to protect the community and ensure that the defendant attends future court hearings.
Bail laws and procedures differ by jurisdiction, but the following are some common bail conditions.
Stay Away From Certain People or Places
A geographical exclusion zone is set for a defendant not to return to a crime scene. If you return to the location, officers may claim you tried to commit the crime again or tried to tamper with the scene. For instance, if your arrest is drug- or alcohol-related, you may have to avoid bars and known drug dealers’ homes.
Additionally, you should stay away from certain people involved in the crime. A bail condition that prohibits the defendant from contacting specified people is common when the victim is at risk.
The judge can also set the condition if the court suspect you committed the offense with another offender. Therefore, on bail, the defendant cannot have contact with the alleged co-defendants.
No contact restrictions also minimize the chances of interfering with witnesses.
Report to a Police Station
Among other bond restrictions, the overarching rule is mandatory check-ins to a local police station. The conditions require a defendant to report to a pretrial officer according to the pre-arranged schedule.
The intention behind check-in restrictions is for the police to have some supervision. The check-in restriction also ensures you comply with the terms of release. You should, therefore, be aware of your check-in schedule.
While you may want to report on all the dates, you may miss a check-in. When you do, you might need to contact an experienced criminal lawyer to represent you for the breach of your bail terms.
Comply With Travel Restrictions
Bail release comes with obligations, and one is for the defendant to attend the hearing and defend their name. That is why most bail releases have some form of travel restrictions. Travel restrictions require a defendant to remain within their local jurisdiction.
In-state travels are normally allowed, but you will need special permission through a criminal attorney. International travel, however, has the highest flight risk.
The court may order a defendant to surrender their passport, especially if the defendant travels often, has stronger ties with another country, or has the financial means to travel.
Pretrial services officers enforce such travel restrictions. The officers, however, need a judge’s discretion to grant the occasional exception for funeral or work.
Seek or Maintain Employment
Depending on the cause for arrest, a judge may want a defendant to remain busy and productive. Therefore, a judge may compel a defendant to seek employment or maintain their current work obligations.
Employment stipulations guarantee that a defendant uses legitimate means to be self-sufficient.
Refrain From Drug or Alcohol Use
If the alleged offense is drug- or alcohol-related, the court will require you from drinking or using drugs while out on bail.
Sobriety restrictions are common for DUI offenses. The court may take additional steps to enforce the prohibition. The measures may include officers conducting breath or urine tests to verify compliance.
Attend Court-Mandated Classes
A judge may require a defendant to undergo mandatory classes as part of the bail release depending on the alleged crime.
Some common mandated classes include:
- Anger management classes
- DUI programs
- Domestic violence classes
- Co-parenting classes
The accused must complete the program, and refusal to do so could lead to penalties.
Bail can help you better prepare for your trial, but only if you follow the bail conditions until the end of the case. If a defendant violates the bail or bond conditions, the court may revoke the bail or bond. A failure to meet the conditions could also result in re-arrest and incarceration pending trial.
Contact us today if you would like to know more or need a bail bond.
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