4 Mistakes That May Send You Back to Jail
Usually, after an arrest, you can post bail to be released from jail. This allows you to spend the time before the hearing at home. Not only does this mean you have more time and flexibility to prepare for your hearing, but you also have less risk of losing your job.
However, there are a lot of small mistakes you can make that may send you back to jail. If you want to know more, check out these four simple mistakes to avoid while out on bail.
1. Consuming Alcohol
If you get arrested for a crime involving alcohol, such as a DUI, your bail agreement may specifically tell you to avoid alcohol. You may even be required to undergo random drug tests to check for alcohol in your system. If your bail agreement does prohibit alcohol, you may be sent back to jail if an officer determines you have been drinking.
If your arrest did not involve alcohol or drugs, it's still a good idea to avoid alcohol while you're out on bail. During this time, any negative behavior can cause the court to revoke your bail. It's well known that consuming alcohol reduces your judgment, making you more likely to do something that may lead to an arrest.
2. Visiting Certain Friends
While you're out on bail, it may be best to avoid certain people. In fact, if someone was also involved in the crime for which you are accused, the courts may prohibit you from contacting them, especially if you tend to get into trouble with that person. Even if the courts don't prohibit it, avoiding certain friends may help you avoid making bad decisions that will lead you back to jail.
In other cases, you may be prohibited from contacting someone because there is a no-contact order included in the bail conditions. For example, if you were arrested for suspected domestic abuse, your partner may request a no-contact order against you. This means you can't visit them or contact them via text, phone, message, etc. Failure to comply with a no-contact order is a sure-fire way to get sent back to jail.
3. Quitting Your Job
Quitting your job while on bail is a terrible idea for many reasons. First, it means you have less money to put toward your defense. However, it also reduces your ties to the community, which plays a huge role in determining bail. In fact, many bail conditions include finding or keeping a job.
Suddenly quitting your job after you've been released on bail is a bad sign for the courts. They may assume you are planning on fleeing the state or country. Of course, the courts will also consider your work history. For example, if you quit your job and get a new one, but your work history reflects a lot of random jobs, the courts may not worry as much as someone who suddenly quit a long-term career or job.
4. Ignoring Your Co-Signer
When you get a bail bond from a bail bond agency, you may need a co-signer. As with any loan, the co-signer agrees to pay the loan if you can't or you decide to run. As a result, the co-signer is motivated to ensure you follow all conditions and actually attend your hearing. Naturally, having someone check in on you frequently can get irritating, but you should not ignore your co-signer or take advantage of them.
If you do ignore your co-signer or show signs that you aren't going to actually attend your hearing, they can contact the bail bond agent and request to be removed as co-signer. Without the co-signer, you'll be sent back to jail.
In most cases, obeying the law while on bail is simple enough. However, depending on the type of crime and your personal history, you may have to follow certain conditions. Even if your bail doesn't prohibit certain activities, they can lead to bad decisions. If you would like to know more about bail, or if you need to talk about a bail bond,
