Securing a bail release allows you to remain out of custody while your criminal case moves through the court system. However, bail does not mean complete freedom. The court expects you to follow every condition of your release. Bail conditions vary depending on the specific crime you committed.
These conditions aim to protect the public. Also, they ensure you return to court for a scheduled trial and reduce the risk of further legal problems. If you break any of the rules, you could lose your bail and face arrest. The following are some of the things you cannot do while out on bail in California:
Leave California or Travel Without Permission
Travel restrictions are among the most common bail conditions imposed by courts. Consequently, the very first thing you are not allowed to do once you have been released is traveling out of the jurisdiction without prior permission from the court. Once released, the court may impose a restriction preventing you from traveling out of the jurisdiction of your case. It ensures you can attend all required hearings. The court may restrict your travel either to a particular county or to the State of California.
When you must travel for any reason, such as work, medical issues, or family issues, you should talk to your lawyer before doing so. The court can require you to hand in your passport during the duration of the trial. If you leave without approval, it will be considered a breach and may result in your being returned to custody.
Miss Any Required Court Appearance
Securing a bail release does not mean that your case has ended. After the release, you must show up in court for the scheduled proceedings. Every hearing is mandatory unless the court says otherwise. If you fail to appear, the judge may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. Your bail can also be forfeited. This means you risk losing your money or property posted as a bond. If there is any time-sensitive matter preventing your attendance in the court proceedings, it is important to inform your lawyer immediately.
Contact Protected Individuals
If you secure a bail release after a violent crime, you cannot contact the protected person during this period. Many criminal cases involve no-contact orders. These orders prevent you from communicating with certain people while your case is pending. The protected person may be an alleged victim, witness, or family member. The contact restriction applies to phone calls, text messages, emails, letters, and social media.
You should also avoid indirect contact, like asking a friend or relative to pass along a message to the protected person. Breaking a no-contact order can cause new criminal charges and the loss of your bail.
Commit Another Crime
Posting bail allows you to return to your family and go back to work while your case continues. While you are out on bail, you must remain a law-abiding citizen. Being arrested for another offense can seriously affect your current case. A new arrest can make it more difficult to negotiate your original case. It can affect plea discussions and sentencing if you are later convicted. The safest approach is to avoid any activity that could place you at risk of another arrest.
Use Illegal Drugs or Abuse Alcohol
Occasionally, the judge will order you to follow strict drug and alcohol restrictions after a bail release. These requirements depend on the nature of your charges. At times, you will be required to undergo random tests for drugs and alcohol. In case you fail a test or you refuse to participate, then it will be viewed as a breach of your bail conditions.
Following the drug and alcohol restrictions shows the court that you are taking your responsibilities seriously.
Possess Firearms or Other Prohibited Weapons
Depending on the charges against you, the court may prohibit you from possessing firearms or other weapons while your case is pending. The condition on firearm restrictions is common in cases involving the following:
- Domestic violence
- Violent crimes
- Weapons offenses
The judge may require you to surrender any firearms that you legally own as a way to enforce this condition. Violating this condition can cause additional criminal charges. Also, it can lead to immediate arrest and the cancellation of your bail. If you are unsure whether a particular item is prohibited, you can consult your attorney or bail bondsman.
Ignore Reporting Requirements
Some defendants are required to report to their bail bond agent or to a pretrial service officer after release from jail. The reporting helps ensure compliance with the court’s stipulations. It is impossible to overlook reporting requirements while on bail. The defendant can be expected to attend meetings or call regularly.
Missing appointments or refusing to cooperate can be a violation of your release conditions. When you stay in contact and follow the instructions, you can remain in good standing while your case is pending.
Tamper With Evidence or Influence Witnesses
When you are on bail, you should not destroy evidence or try to interfere with witnesses. This means you will try to get another person to change their testimony or to hide the truth from the investigation agency. Such interference in court proceedings can lead to your arrest for the offense.
Even when you have been granted bail, it is important to allow the matter to go through the normal legal processes.
Violate Electronic Monitoring Rules
Sometimes, a judge can order electronic monitoring to ensure that you follow the bail conditions. If you are placed on electronic monitoring, you must follow all its requirements. Probation conditions will also include wearing a GPS monitoring bracelet and staying in approved areas only. If you remove, tamper with, or damage the bracelet, you will face more legal problems.
Find Expert Bail Bond Services Near Me
Spending time behind bars after a California arrest is a traumatizing experience. If you secure a bail release, you could move forward with your life while your case is pending. However, the release comes with strict requirements that you must follow. While you are out on bail, you cannot commit other crimes, contact protected individuals, or leave the jurisdiction without permission.
Also, the court requires you to appear for all proceedings. If you engage in prohibited conduct, you can face an arrest and additional criminal charges. If you need help posting bail for yourself or a loved one, you will need our services at Balboa Bail Bonds. Call us at 619-760-2222 to discuss your bail needs.