Conditions of Release
In some cases, a judge or bail commissioner will attach conditions of release to a defendant’s bail. These conditions ask the defendant to do certain things or refrain from certain things. Some common conditions of release include:
- Requirement that the defendant doesn’t leave the state or country.
- Surrendering their passport to the court.
- The defendant avoids contact with the victim(s) involved in the case.
- The defendant maintains his or her employment.
- Not possessing or using any weapons.
- Refraining from alcohol use.
- Refraining from drug use.
- Remaining in school if the defendant was in school at the time of the arrest.
- Actively seeking employment if the defendant does not have employment.
- Actively seeking acceptance into a school.
- Not committing additional crimes.
- Following a curfew.
- Checking in with the police on a regular basis.
If you don’t obey the conditions of release, you could get charged with a new crime or the court could modify the bond. If you miss court, the judge may order a failure to appear warrant for your arrest. Failure to appear in court is a serious charge that you do not want to receive, as it can have serious consequences. The alternative to a failure to appear in court charge is a bail commissioner’s letter to be issued that will be sent to you with a new court date. While you might not be charged with failure to appear, you never want to risk getting this charge, so make sure you appear in court when you are asked to!
Getting Help
If you are having bail issues, you can contact my office for assistance. We work with bail bondsmen and can help you get the money that you need for your bond. In addition, we can work with the courts to make sure that your conditions for release are reasonable. To make sure that you get the bail you deserve, contact my office today.