Common Conditions of Pretrial Release

 Posted on November 07, 2024 in Bail Bonds

Being out on bail is formally called "pretrial release." Making bail allows you to leave jail and go home to wait for your case to be resolved. While you certainly have far more freedoms when you are out on pretrial release than you do in jail, you are less free than you were before your arrest. Even though you have not been found guilty of any crime yet, the court is probably going to impose some conditions you will have to live with during pretrial release. These conditions are meant to prevent you from committing other crimes while your case is pending and to ensure that you will return to answer to your charges. If you need help getting out on pretrial release, a licensed McKinney, TX bail bondsman can help.

GPS Monitoring While Out on Bail 

Some defendants will be required to wear a GPS monitor around their ankle while out on pretrial release. This type of GPS device is fitted and locked around your ankle before you can leave jail. The device cannot be easily removed, and if it is, an alarm will go off, sending law enforcement after you. You must keep the device charged at all times. Any attempt to tamper with or remove this device can result in criminal penalties, and you can have your bond revoked.

No Contact With The Victim 

If your crime involved a known victim, you will very likely be ordered to have no contact with her while you are out on bond. This serves multiple purposes. First, it protects victims, especially in domestic violence cases. Second, it prevents the defendant from trying to scare the victim out of testifying. It also stops family violence offenders from collaborating with the victim to "get their stories straight" and interfere with prosecution efforts.

Refraining From Substance Use

An overwhelming percentage of people arrested are struggling with substance abuse to some degree. Judges often order defendants to remain clean and sober while out on bond, and may order drug and alcohol testing to be carried out to ensure compliance. Testing positive for drugs can mean getting sent back to jail or to a locked-down rehabilitation facility.

Keeping a Curfew

Courts sometimes impose a curfew on people who are out on bond. This is meant to keep the defendant off the streets during the nighttime hours when crimes like assaults, DUIs, vandalism, and drug use are more likely to take place.

Contact a McKinney, TX Bail Bondsman 

Doc's Bail Bonds is committed to helping people get out of jail while their cases are pending. Our experienced Collin County, TX bail bondsman will strive to have you released as quickly as possible. Contact us at 214-747-4110 to speak to a licensed bondsman.