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The best thing about posting bail is that instead of staying in custody while waiting for your trial, you can return home to your family or to your job. You can lead your life as normal. Unfortunately, while it is true that being out on bail gives you more freedom than you would enjoy when in custody, there are certain rules on what you can and cannot do that may hinder your lifestyle. Continue reading this blog to learn more about the do’s and don’ts for your continued stay outside jail on bail.

Court Requirements

When released on bail, there are certain court requirements you must meet. For example, once you have been released, the court will require you to:

  • Strictly appear at all court proceedings regarding your case. The court will require that you or your lawyer be present at all scheduled court dates, including pretrial conferences, the arraignment, and the court trial.
  • Refrain from perpetrating new offenses. Committing any other crime while out on bail will cause a revocation of your bail, and you may face additional charges.
  • Adhere to any substance restrictions set. The court may require you to abstain from alcohol or drug use while out on bail. Drug use can trigger questionable acts. It is also prevalent for courts to do random drug tests on people on pretrial release.
  • Not be in possession of weapons. The court may also require you not to possess any weapons, such as guns, while on pretrial release. If so, it is in your best interest to keep those items off your property.

Failure to satisfy these conditions can lead to a bench warrant being issued against you, bail forfeiture, and possible jail time.

Travel Restrictions

Travel restrictions for defendants on bail depend on the particular conditions the judge or bail bondsman sets. Generally, you can travel locally if you have been released on bail. That is, you can travel to neighboring cities or within the county, provided your traveling will not interfere with your capability to attend court appearances. However, you may not be able to travel out of the country. Usually, the court requires defendants out on bail to surrender their travel documents, such as a passport, to avoid international flights.

Courts also often restrict out-of-state travel. If you must leave California, you must officially petition the court or seek permission from your bondsman. If you are unsure what is deemed acceptable travel, you want to consult the court or your bondsman to ensure that you do not unintentionally violate bail.

Contact Rules

Staying out on bail necessitates that you obey strict contact rules described in your court release order and bond agreement. Failure to abide by these rules may lead to your bondsman lawfully surrendering you back into custody.

You must keep regular contact with your lawyer and bondsman. That typically means visiting or calling regularly, either weekly or monthly. If you change your employment, phone number, or address, you must notify your bondsman and court in writing.

Courts frequently issue stay-away orders forbidding defendants out on bail from contacting co-defendants, witnesses, or victims, either directly or indirectly. This includes all types of communication, not only face-to-face, but also through text, third parties, email, or social media. The court may also legally restrict you from entering particular areas, like the victim's workplace, home, or particular neighborhoods.

Practical Tips

Successfully navigating the pre-trial release period requires a disciplined approach. The following practical tips can help you safeguard your freedom, allowing you to prove your innocence:

Acquire and Keep Employment

If you were employed before your arrest, it is fine to resume employment if your employer permits it. If you lost your job position because of the arrest or were unemployed, you should try to acquire and keep employment while on pretrial release. This will signify to the judge that you are a productive person in society.

Pursue Legal and Personal Hobbies and Interests

As long as your personal interests or hobbies are lawful and do not pose a threat to you or other people, you may pursue your normal activities.

Never Miss a Court Date

Your primary legal duty is to show up at all mandated court dates. Should you miss even a single hearing, the court can issue a bench warrant for your arrest, and you may forfeit your bail. If you have an unavoidable emergency, contact your attorney immediately. Apart from not missing a court date, do not be late for court either.

Follow All Protective and Stay-Away Orders

Judges usually impose harsh stay-away orders. That means you cannot go within a specific distance, for example, 100 yards, of particular people, alleged victims, or specific locations. Meeting these orders is not negotiable.

Comply With Specified Behavioral Conditions

Based on your criminal charges, for example, a DUI, the court might forbid you from drinking alcohol, possessing firearms, or entering bars. In addition, you may be required to undergo random testing. Ensure you comply with these conditions.

Keep Your Cosigner Informed

If a friend or family member cosigned a bond for you, they have assumed massive financial and legal liability. Update them on check-ins and court dates to prevent them from incurring unexpected financial losses if something goes wrong.

Exercise Caution on Social Media

Avoid discussing the details of your supposed offense or the status of your release in public forums or on social media. The prosecution can and will use any information you post against you.

Find a Professional Bondsman Near Me

Securing a bail release is obviously better than remaining in custody until trial. However, for your continued stay out of custody, there are things you can and cannot do. If you have questions on this, you can always consult your bail bondsman. At Alana's Bail Bonds, we have served the entire state of California for several years and pride ourselves on helping clients return home to their families or to their jobs and businesses while they await trial. We are available around the clock for your convenience and specialize in immediate jail release. Call us today at 619-468-9333 to secure a bond and learn how we can help you avoid jail.