If you’ve been charged for a crime, a judicial official will determine the Conditions of Release (the conditions in which you will be released from jail). Aside from entering a plea of not guilty to the charges, this is perhaps the most important thing that happens at a bail hearing.
Conditions of Release are simply requirements that the judge will set in order for you to stay in the community. If you do not abide by these conditions, you will be taken into custody until your case has concluded. Conditions will vary depending upon the nature and seriousness of the charges. However, even with relatively minor charges, violations of the conditions of release are taken very seriously.
There are some conditions that are standard in almost every criminal case, such as:
- No illegal drugs
- No alcohol
- No contact with the victim
- No weapons
- Staying in contact with your attorney
- Attending court dates
- Posting bail (typically with the help of a local bail bondsman)
Other conditions can include court ordered counseling, drug testing, regular meetings with a probation officer, and travel restrictions. Some defendants are also placed under house arrest with electronic monitoring.
Your attorney may be able to help avoid some restrictions. For example, travel and firearm restrictions are often waived for work duties. The leniency of the judge will ultimately depend on the nature and seriousness of the charges. For example, a firearm restriction is unlikely to be waived in any case if the allegations include violence.
When the judicial official is determining the conditions of release, they will take more than just the charges into account. Also considered will be any factors that would classify you as a flight risk or danger to others, such as character, mental condition, history of substance use, prior convictions, and family ties. Your criminal defense attorney will likely prepare for the hearing by collecting evidence that shows you are not a flight risk or a danger to the community. This evidence can include things such as employment status, community or church involvement, property ownership, academic or work performance, and family support.
Contact a local bail bondsman that has great experience in the judicial system. Call us today at 1.888.990.3993 for a free bail consultation. No matter what the arrest was for, we have a local bail bondsman available to help you.
