What To Know When Out On Bond

You’ll likely breathe a sigh of relief when you or a loved one has been released on bond and can return to life as usual while awaiting trial.  Keep in mind, though, that there are strict bail bond rules that must be followed.  These rules when out on bond are set by the court to strike a balance between public safety and the defendant’s right to freedom.

Out on bond rules ensure that the defendant remains accountable, avoids additional law-breaking, and attends all required court appearances.  Failing to abide by the rules when out on bond can lead to serious consequences.  This includes revocation of the bail bond, additional criminal charges, and financial loss from forfeited bail money or collateral.

Below, we’ll define the typical bail bond rules in Delaware County, each of which can vary based on the defendant’s criminal history, flight risk, the seriousness of the charges, and the court’s discretion.

Attending All Court Dates

Often referred to as “jumping bail,” missing a court appearance is a serious offense, since it disrupts the judicial process.  If you miss even one court date when you’ve been released on bond, forfeiture of your bail bond, a warrant for your arrest, or additional charges could occur.  To ensure that you or your loved one does not break this bail bond rule, keep track of court appointments and make sure you do not miss them.  If you do happen to miss a court date, your bail bondsman can advise you on next steps.

Obey All Laws

You must fully obey all federal, state, and local laws when you’ve been released on bond.  Even a minor legal issue like a simple traffic violation can jeopardize your bond status.  It is essential to avoid situations that could result in new charges and negatively impact your legal standing. 

To make it easier to follow the bail bond rules, focus on making compliance a priority.  Stay away from people or environments that might raise your chances of getting into trouble with the law.  If you’re viewed as at-risk for nighttime offenses, out on bond rules might require that you abide by a curfew.  Additionally, the court might stipulate that you are barred from visiting certain places, like bars, nightclubs, or neighborhoods where criminal activity is prevalent. 

When released on bond, the court might mandate additional bail bond rules based on your specific case.  Possession of a weapon is usually prohibited when released on bond.  Staying employed or attending school could be part of your bail agreement.  In harassment cases, you might be banned from contact with victims, witnesses, or co-defendants.  If your case involves substance abuse, random drug tests and or treatment programs might be part of your bail bond rules.  Electronic monitoring, often with an ankle bracelet, is sometimes a bail bond rule in high flight risk cases.  

Travel Restrictions Apply

To stop defendants released on bond from fleeing to avoid prosecution, out on bond rules usually include travel restrictions.  The court generally needs to approve any out-of-state travel.  If travel is absolutely necessary, it’s best to discuss it with your bail bondsman, who can advise you on how to seek approval from the court, which should be done well in advance of your travel dates.

Mandated Check-Ins

Bail bond rules sometimes require regular check-ins with a bail bond agent or a pretrial services officer.  These check-ins allow the court to be kept apprised of the defendant’s location and compliance with the out on bond rules.  

Consequences Of Breaking Rules

If you break even just one bail bond rule, you’ll face serious consequences. Being released on bail is a privilege, and the court will swiftly respond to a defendant failing to hold up their end of the agreement.  The court can issue a response ranging from a warning to a full revocation of the bail bond, putting the defendant back into custody.  

Additional Charges

If a defendant who has been released on bond fails to comply with the specific bail bond rules dictated by the court, additional charges could be filed.  If you commit additional offenses or miss mandatory court appearances, the court could file more charges.  This can complicate the existing case and worsen penalties.  

Impact on Legal Proceedings

Breaking bail bond rules reflects poorly on the defendant’s character.  The court will take this into consideration, which could impact sentencing.  

Forfeiture of Bond

Failure to comply with bail bond rules can bring financial loss.  When the terms of the bail bond agreement are broken, the bond or any collateral put up is at risk of being forfeited and cannot be recovered.

We Can Help, Call Delco Bail Bonds

While bail bond rules can be confusing, the experienced professionals at Delco Bail Bonds are here to help you fully understand and comply with your specific rules when out on bond.   We’ll keep in touch with you to remind you of court appearance dates, check-in requirements, and any deadlines for court obligations.  Delco Bail Bonds agents are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your questions and address your concerns. Our team will work with you to ensure that you meet all court obligations so you can maintain your freedom while awaiting trial.  Reach out to us at 484-443-3648, day or night.