OUT ON BAIL. NOW WHAT?
When someone gets arrested, their first thought is: How do I get out of here as quickly as possible? So, typically, the quickest way to get out of jail is to post bail through a bail bondsman. And, when someone gets out on bail, more than likely his or her first thought is: I’m out of jail. Thank God!
But, don’t forget: bailed-out suspects (alleged) usually need to comply with certain conditions of release. If someone out on bail violates one of these conditions, the judge may revoke bail and order him or her to be re-arrested and placed back in jail. Some bail conditions, such as a requirement that the person out on bail obey all laws, are quite common. Other conditions may reflect the crime for which a suspect was arrested. For example, a condition may order a domestic violence suspect not to contact the alleged victim.
Whatever your case may be, if you’ve been released from jail on bail, you won’t want to spend too much of your time celebrating. Here’s what you should do:
Make Appropriate Changes
Just because you got out of jail, doesn’t mean you can’t be tossed right back in. Now is the time to make the necessary changes in your life to ensure that you stay on the right side of the bars. If you have a problem with drinking or drugs, you now have the perfect opportunity to get and stay clean. If you were arrested for an offense against your family member, now is the time to consider family counseling or anger management classes. Unfortunately, if you don’t get your life back on track, there’s a very good chance that you’ll go back to jail – usually for a much longer period of time.
Be Financially Responsible
If you’ve just been released on bond, now is not the time to make any irrational spending decisions. It’s not the time to get married or take a vacation or buy a new car. Most people who can afford bond can afford an attorney. People who make bail will have new bills like hiring a lawyer, paying the bondsman, or paying a counselor. If you were arrested for a DWI, you may have to get additional auto insurance or an interlock device (breathalyzer) installed in your car. Stay financially responsible during this time to ensure you don’t find yourself in even bigger trouble when the bills are due.
Show up To Your Court Dates
Undoubtedly, the presumption of innocence is important. However, the judge also wants to make sure you show up in court. The main purpose of bail is to ensure that people charged with a crime don’t take off after getting out of jail. The court will keep your bail for the duration of your case. If you show up for all of your court dates and abide by the condition of your release, then the court will refund your bail when the case is over. Of course, if you decide to skip out on court dates, violate release conditions, or disappear altogether, your bail will be revoked and forfeited.
Conditions of a Bail Bond in Louisiana
In Louisiana, most bonds come with three simple conditions:
1) Make all Court Appearances and Arrive to Court on time.
2) Do NOT have negative contact with the police.
3) Do NOT commit another crime or continue illegal activity.
• This means that you should drive carefully to avoid traffic tickets, stop using illegal drugs, and drink in moderation. Judges WILL drug test you.
Hire a Lawyer | New Orleans Criminal Lawyers
You have a right to legal representation; therefore, you should get legal representation! Let our New Orleans criminal defense lawyers guide you through all stages of the bail proceedings. Crescent City Law is committed to fighting for your rights. We handle felony criminal defense, misdemeanor criminal defense, and DUI & DWI defense.
If you were recently cited, fined, charged, or arrested in New Orleans, contact the Criminal Defense lawyers at Crescent City Law today. Our criminal defense lawyers will make sure your rights are not violated, and we will always fight to have your charges dropped or reduced. Moreover, we’ll make sure you are not punished for a crime you didn’t commit. Facing criminal charges can be stressful, but it does not have to be. Call Crescent City Law at (504) 264-9492 or fill out a Contact Form for a FREE Consultation.
