What to Expect While You’re Out on Bond
The good news is you’re out of that crowded, smelly jail, maybe forever. The bad news is that pretrial release includes conditions you probably know nothing about.
Florida has one of the highest percentages of unsentenced inmates in the country. So, getting out of jail is relatively easy, at least in most cases. As the jail population drops, the cost drops as well. Staying out of jail is another matter. When defendants violate release conditions, the system often labels them as “dangerous.”
Staying out of jail before trial is not only important for personal reasons. It’s important for legal reasons as well. Essentially, pretrial detention transforms the [presumption of innocence into a presumption of guilt.
Quite simply, an Orlando criminal defense attorney cannot vigorously defend jail cases. Because of the compressed timeline, it’s impossible to fully develop all defenses. Additionally, many jail inmates accept unfavorable plea bargain agreements, just to get it over with. Only secure pretrial release sets the stage for a positive result.
Follow All Bond Conditions
When a judge grants bond, they may impose certain requirements based on the charges and your circumstances. Common bond conditions include:
- Attending Court Hearings: Some Hillsborough County judges require defendants to appear at pretrial procedural hearings in addition to trial hearings.
- Avoiding Contact with Potential Witnesses or Alleged Victims: To be on the safe side, defendants should avoid common areas, like grocery stores, where they might run into prohibited people.
- Remaining Within a Designated Geographic Area: Usually, defendants must remain in the county. If they work and/or live elsewhere, accommodations are available, but an attorney must make them.
- Refraining from Illegal Drug or Alcohol Use: “Refraining from” usually means complete abstinence, which is enforced by random drug or alcohol tests. Even if not specifically required, abstinence while the case is pending is usually a good idea.
Failing to follow even a technical, ticky-tack condition could result in your bond being revoked and your return to jail.
Stay in Contact With Your Attorney
One of the most important things you can do while out on bond is maintain regular communication with your criminal defense attorney.
Your lawyer will keep you informed about court dates, filing deadlines, and any updates regarding your case. Promptly responding to requests for documents or information helps your attorney build the strongest possible defense.
Avoid New Criminal Charges
This condition of bond is absolutely critical, so we put it in a class by itself.
Being arrested for another offense while out on bond can significantly impact your current case. New charges may lead to bond revocation, additional penalties, and a more complicated legal situation. Following all laws and avoiding risky situations is essential until your case is resolved.
Continue Your Daily Responsibilities
Don’t let all these conditions and pressure control your life. Instead, fit bond requirements into daily life, to help ensure that the world keeps turning for those around you.
Unless your bond conditions state otherwise, you can usually continue working, attending school, and caring for your family while awaiting trial. Maintaining employment and demonstrating responsible behavior may reflect positively during court proceedings.
Criminal cases are stressful, to say the least. Don’t take out this stress on other people. Instead, let your Orlando criminal defense lawyer deal with these aspects of your case.
Rely on a Tough Hillsborough County Attorney
Staying out of jail may be the key to a successful case resolution. For a confidential consultation with an experienced Tampa criminal defense lawyer, contact the OA Law Firm. Convenient payment plans are available.
Source:
prisonpolicy.org/graphs/pretrial_by_state.htm
