What You Can and Can't Do While Out on Bail

By Staff Reporter Aug 16, 2021 09:14 PM EDT

If you or a loved one lands in jail, the first thought is always to find ways of getting out as soon as possible. Posting bail is typically the best way to do this. Bail can either be in cash or bond form. Bail is a provision of the Eighth Amendment of the U.S Constitution, so naturally, there are specific regulations to observe to prevent worsening your legal issues. Read on to learn what you can and can't do while out on bail.

How is Bail Set?

You must appear in front of a judicial commissioner to receive the bond amount required before getting out of jail. Several factors will determine how much you pay. These include your criminal history, employment, and community ties. Once the court sets bail, you can either pay it or get someone to do it on your behalf, usually a family member. Alternatively, you can contact a licensed bail bondsperson to do it.

What You Can and Can't Do While Out on Bail

Things you can do

1. Travel within the state

Typically, posting bail allows you to travel within the state. You are, however, not permitted to leave the U.S or go to another state. Therefore, it would be wise to cancel any trips you had, especially if the dates are close to the hearing. Few cases may justify travel outside your state, with the most common being undergoing a medical procedure. In this case, you must get permission from both the bail bonds surety company and the court.

2. Go back to work

It would be best to go to work if it's still possible upon your bail release. Doing this allows you to provide for yourself and your family and ensures you have the funds to hire legal experts. Going to work also demonstrates that you are a positive contributor to society.

It further proves existing community ties, something the court considers when making decisions.

Unfortunately, if you lost your job or didn't have one at the time of your arrest, we recommend that you begin the search immediately. Alternatively, you could enroll in a job training program if you're struggling to find one. Taking such initiative demonstrates your effort to better your life.

3. Show up for all court hearings

The most crucial requirement you need to fulfill when out on bail is going to all your court hearings. Failure to show up in court means forfeiting your bond to the bondsperson or courts. Additionally, the court will issue an arrest warrant, introduce more bail conditions or revoke bail altogether. You may also receive increased penalties. That's not all! The bail bonds company may decide to send a bounty hunter after you. Therefore, if something's come up which could cause you to miss a hearing, we recommend a postponement to avoid compounding your current charges.

Things you can't do

1. Travel outside your state

As mentioned earlier, a bail release only permits local travel. It would be best to request special permission if you must travel internationally or leave the state. Doing so prevents you from breaking bail regulations or losing your bail money.

2. Break the law

Committing a crime, no matter how small while out on bail, can have grave implications. For instance, a misdemeanor could lead to bail revocation and getting dropped by your bail bondsperson. If it's a felony, you might end up with an extra two years on top of the existing penalties. Remember, this additional crime will have different conditions. It could also interfere with your initial crime court hearings.

3. Take drugs or alcohol

Another condition for anyone on bail is abstinence from alcohol as well as drugs. Failure to abstain could result in the repercussions mentioned in the conditions above. Therefore, while being out on bail does not prevent you from attending events like birthday parties, it's wise to play it safe.

4. Own firearms

One of the bail regulations for felony crimes is a prohibition from having firearms. If you own guns, then the court will require you to file a dispossession affidavit. You must also avoid interacting with convicts. Violating these conditions has more severe implications than other charges like misdemeanors.

5. Missing court hearings

Being out on bail is a privilege that lets you resume everyday life tasks. You wouldn't want to risk going back to jail for skipping hearings without permission.

6. Failure to report to parties involved in your case

Your bail release may also require check-ins with your bail bond company. It could either be physically or via calls. Failure to do this may result in the forfeit of your bail money or harsh penalties.

Contact Lexington National for Bail Bond Services

Making bail after an arrest offers an opportunity to reflect and also improve your circumstances through employment or maintaining family and community ties. Understanding and following your bail regulations prevent you from aggravating your legal problems. If you or a loved one is having trouble making bail, don't hesitate to contact Lexington National Insurance Corporation. To reach us, call us at 888-888-BAIL (2245) today.