When you or someone you love is arrested and charged with a crime, it can be a very stressful time. By turning to a trusted bail bond agent, arranging for release on bail prior to trial gives defendants a valuable opportunity to be with family, maintain work obligations, and assist their attorneys in the preparation of their defense.
But to maintain their freedom during this period, defendants are often required to meet certain specific conditions set by the court. Failure to meet these obligations could result in re-arrest and incarceration until trial, as well as the forfeiture of any bail money that has been paid to secure a defendant’s release.
The types of conditions set by the court can vary at the discretion of the judge, but here are some common examples.
Mandatory Check-ins
To keep track of those who are released on bond, judges often order that a defendant maintain a schedule of regular check-ins with pretrial service officers. Similar to check-ins required for probationers or parolees, these appointments help assure the court that the defendant is complying with all terms of release while free on bond.
Travel Restrictions
To prevent bail skips and to better keep track of defendants who are released on bond, the court often requires defendants to remain within their local jurisdictions. Such travel restrictions are common and are strictly enforced, though pretrial services officers may use their discretion to grant occasional exceptions, such as permitting a defendant to visit ill or dying relatives.
Employment Requirements
The court may ask that a defendant maintain their current work obligations while free on bond, or if the defendant is not currently employed, to actively seek work while released. Such stipulations help to assure the courts that the defendant is pursuing legal means to self-sufficiency.
Staying Clean & Sober
The court may require a defendant to refrain from drug or alcohol use while free on bond. This stipulation is frequently employed for defendants arrested and charged with drug- or alcohol-related crimes.
No-Contact Orders
Often a judge will restrict a defendant’s contact with persons the court believes might be harmed by the defendant. Such “no-contact” or “stay away” orders are often used to prevent defendants in domestic abuse cases from harming, threatening, or attempting to influence family members.
Weapons Restrictions
A judge may require that a defendant surrender all firearms and/or refrain from purchasing new firearms as a stipulation of bail. This restriction is common and often extends even to defendants whose charges are not gun-related.
Court-Mandated Classes
Often a judge will require a defendant to attend classes or workshops as part of their bond conditions. These can include drug testing or counseling, anger management courses, or other behavioral classes.
It’s important to re-state that failure to meet any bail requirement set by the court can result in re-arrest and incarceration pending trial. At Bond James Bond, we understand how important it is to honor any bail stipulations set by the courts. That’s why we work with our clients to help ensure that they remain compliant with all obligations to the court. Contact us today, and learn how an experienced bond agent can be your best ally.
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Bond, James Bond, Inc. can handle any size or type of Georgia bail bonds in Barrow County, Bartow County, Cherokee County, Clarke County, Cobb County, Floyd County, Gordon County, Gwinnett County, Paulding County and Polk County. We are always open - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays. We have 11 locations which are conveniently located to serve you better. Visit us at www.bondjamesbondinc.com, or call Bond, James Bond, Inc. at (770) 382-9111.