Once a defendant is out on bond, it can be easy to feel like things are just back to normal but in reality, this can be a very important and sensitive time. There are a few points in particular that need to be followed or avoided because not doing so can lead to being detained again or even worse landing new charges on top of the original ones. Here is what you need to know.
Following bond conditions is vital
After a judge offers a bond there will be a set of rules that are tailored to your specific case and history that must be followed in order to keep in compliance with the bond. Some typical bond conditions include the avoidance of travel and all foreign substances, but other common ones include avoiding alcohol, especially in DUI cases where a breathalyzer may be mandatory as well. All these rules must be followed and reported otherwise like breaking parole can land the defendant right back in jail for violating the contract.
Keep in touch with your co-signer
If anyone has enough trust and faith in someone to take financial responsibility for them, it is most likely someone very close to the defendant but because the stakes are so high, it’s completely understandable that in return that person will also want to keep tabs to ensure that the defendant lives up to all their commitments because their money is on the line. This probably at times can be annoying for a defendant who may feel like they resent being watched like a hawk, but it’s important to know that ignoring the indemnitor or causing them to feel like they made a mistake by signing on could lead to them pulling their support and the bond being revoked. If this happens, a bench warrant will be issued.
Stay consistent with employment
One major thing a judge looks at during a hearing is how the defendant has spent their time while out on bond and particularly if they were employed and consistently so. This is one of the easiest ways to look good in a hearing is to just steadily show up to work and avoid any major employment changes. If at the time of release, you don’t have a job it actually may be a part of your bond conditions to find one and keep it.
Not showing up to the hearing
This is the most important one of all. The point of a bond is that it provides an incentive to the defendant to show up to their scheduled court hearing by leveraging a large amount of money. If the defendant doesn’t show then not only will the money be forfeited but a new arrest warrant will go into effect and potentially new charges as well. In addition to this, it could also greatly affect your chances of getting bond again which means that when arrested again, there won’t be any choice but to stay in jail until the next hearing happens.
To conclude, for the most part, you can pretty much live normally while out on bond but it’s so important to keep in touch with people and stay compliant to any and all promises made to the courts, your bail bondsman, and anyone who signed the contract with you.
