The Eighth Amendment is an essential part of the Constitution to know if you ever get arrested. This amendment gives you rights as a defendant, and it provides a way out of jail before your trial.
If you are in jail and about to get out by paying bail, you’ve used this amendment to your favor. One thing you must know, though, is that you’ll have rules to follow when you’re out on bail.
When you pay bail to get out of jail before your trial, the court considers you out on bail. People who are out of jail on bail must know what to do and avoid during this time.
If you want to avoid further legal problems, you should continue reading this guide to learn what you should and shouldn’t do while out on bail.
Things You Should Avoid When Out on Bail
Let’s begin by talking about the primary things you shouldn’t do when out on bail. Here are five vital things to avoid:
Skipping Court
When you’re out on bail, you are still required to attend court hearings. You’ll need to make sure you have a ride and that you show up on time. Skipping court is something you should never do when out on bail.
If you skip a court hearing, the court will respond in several ways. First, they may state that you are in contempt of court. As a result, they may issue a warrant for your arrest. The court might also impose harsher consequences on your crime.
Using Drugs or Alcohol
Secondly, you cannot use drugs or alcohol during this time. You might think that having a beer at home is harmless, but it could land you back in jail. You can’t use any alcohol or drugs when you’re out on bail.
Failing to Check in With Necessary People
Next, you should never skip check-ins with anyone involved in your case. For example, your bail bond agent might require check-ins every week or every other week. If they do, you can’t skip them.
These check-ins might require going to the bail bond agency or calling them. In either case, you must check-in when required.
If you have a probation officer involved in your case, you might also be required to check-in with him or her. If you’re required to do this, you’ll end up in more trouble if you fail to show up on time.
Committing Crimes
Another thing you’ll have to avoid is committing crimes. If you have a bail bond, it means that you’re already facing legal trouble. If you commit another crime, you’ll face additional legal trouble.
Having legal counsel is vital for any charges you face. Your lawyer will help you learn the importance of following the law, especially during this time.
Traveling
Finally, you’ll need to avoid traveling for a while. Your bail bond agent will tell you the rules about traveling, and the main one might be that you can’t leave the state.
Failing to abide by this rule could land you in further trouble. Therefore, don’t travel unless you have written permission from your lawyer, the bail bond agent, or the court.
Things You Should Do When Out on Bail
Next, let’s talk about what you should do after getting released from jail through bail. Here five essential things to do:
Go to Court
First, attend all court hearings. Attending your court hearings is a necessity when facing criminal charges. If you don’t get released from jail prior to your trial, the jail will take you to your hearings.
If you get released through bail, you’ll still have to go to court. When you find out your court dates, write them on your calendar and put them in your phone. Make sure you attend every one.
Follow the Law
The next essential thing to do while out on bail is to follow the law, and this includes every law. Speeding might be something you normally do while driving. If you’re out on bail, you shouldn’t even speed.
You must follow the law. Failing to do so can lead to many more problems.
Work
Another excellent thing to do while you’re out is to go to work. Getting out of jail before your trial provides the benefit of continuing with life as normal. Part of a normal life is work.
If you have a job, make sure you show up. Going to work shows that you’re trying to do the right thing. Going to work also protects your job.
Spend Time With Your Family
During this time, you might also want to focus on spending time with your family. If you’re home with your family, you might find it easier to avoid legal problems.
Spending time with your family now is also vital if you expect to receive a jail sentence for your crime. If you have to spend some time in jail, you’ll want to make the most of your time now.
Work on Paying Your Bail Bond
Even if you hire the best criminal defense attorney, you may still need to hire a bail bond agent. When you buy the bail bond, it might be secured or unsecured. In either case, you can use collateral to pay the fees.
If you use collateral to pay the fees, you’ll need to work on paying the fees to the bail bond agent. If you can do this during this time, you’ll get the collateral back faster.
Contact a Bail Bond Agent for Help
Getting out on bail is a wise choice, as the alternative is to remain in jail throughout your criminal case. If you decide to get out on bail, it’s imperative for you to know and follow the rules.
If you are stuck behind bars for a crime right now, you might need help getting out of jail. If you are in the Charlotte, NC area, give us a call. We can help you with your bail and would love to hear from you.
