Being arrested is no walk in the park. In fact, let’s be honest — it can be downright scary and frustrating, leaving you eager to get back to your typical daily routine with work and family obligations. It is only natural to look forward to your release, but do you know what to do after you get out of jail? As your go-to bondsman in Halifax, our team here at Affordable Bail Bonding is here to tell you that what you do in the days and weeks following your arrest can make or break your case. Let’s take a look at five things you can and should do after you post bail with the help of our affordable bail bonds.
You’re Out of Jail — Now What?
Return to Your Daily Duties
When you are sitting behind bars, you can’t go to work. This means that you cannot provide for your family or enjoy your time with them. Most people can’t wait to get back to their job and family after they get out of jail, but there are the rare few who decide to shirk their responsibilities for one reason or another. Not only is this bad for your professional and personal relationships, but it also shows a lack of responsibility on your part, which is something that judges don’t look too lightly upon when reviewing criminal cases.
Consider Consulting an Attorney
Even if you think you can’t afford it, it may be wise to consider contacting an attorney as soon as possible after you are released from jail. Experienced attorneys are well-versed in the Halifax legal system, including the criminal justice sector. Additionally, many of them are willing to take on “pro bono” cases, which means they won’t charge you for their services unless you receive a favorable outcome on your case. Consulting with an attorney after you are released will help ensure that your rights are protected and that you are aware of all the options available to you legally.
Stay Out Of Trouble
After you have spent a few days or weeks in jail, the last thing you want to do is end up back behind bars. However, if you fail to keep your nose clean and stay out of trouble as you wait for your day in court, there is nothing to stop you from being arrested again. This is undesirable for obvious reasons — you want to enjoy your freedom and all of the benefits that go along with it. However, staying on the straight and narrow allows you to put your best foot forward in front of the judge, proving that you are a responsible, upstanding member of society.
Answer Calls from Your Bondsman
Your bail bondsman has a lot on the line after they post the full amount of bail to get you out of jail. After all, they are now financially invested in your case, which means they want to see it reach the best possible outcome. Because of this, your bondsman will likely check in with you on a regular basis to keep tabs on you and make sure that you are making good on your end of the bargain. You don’t want to blow off your bondsman after you get out of jail and you should make every effort to maintain consistent communication with them.
Attend Your Court Date(s)
Last but certainly not least, the most important thing that you should do after you get out of jail is to make sure that you attend your court date. Skipping bail is a serious offense in Virginia and it carries significant repercussions. Failure to appear is a criminal offense that carries anywhere from one to five years in jail and up to $2,500 in fines. Beyond that, you will have your bail bondsman to answer to and you will be contractually obligated to repay the full bail bond amount to make them whole again.
Halifax Bail Bonds Services
If you have just recently posted bail to get out of jail, you want to do everything possible to make sure you don’t end up back behind bars. Aside from making sure you show up for your court date, returning to work, staying out of trouble, and maintaining consistent communication with your Halifax bondsman are all very important after you get out of jail. Affordable Bail Bonding wants to set you up for success following your arrest and we are here to answer any questions that you have about the bail bonds process. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.