What to do After Posting Bail in Tampa, FL
If and when you have been released, it is not the time to relax and just let events take their course. After having spent hours or even days in county jail, upon release it is time to get to work in defense of your case. Starting is the biggest impediment to progress in these situations.
The very first action you must take is to engage a professional attorney familiar with your type of case and prepare for your first court date. Here are a number of steps you should consider in taking action to defend yourself so you can be assured of the best possible outcome.
The very first action you must take is to engage a professional attorney familiar with your type of case and prepare for your first court date. Here are a number of steps you should consider in taking action to defend yourself so you can be assured of the best possible outcome.
1. Follow the Conditions of Your Release
After your release, you will be provided with a document called "condition of release". These are mandatory requirements stipulating your actions while out of jail. You will need to strictly adhere to these conditions in order not to violate the stipulations of the bail bond contract. Most of these conditions are very simple and straightforward to follow. Your "condition of release" may include the following:
Depending on the nature of the offense you are charged with, there may be other specific conditions of your release. Always make sure you carefully read the paperwork you are provided at the time of your release.
- Travel Restriction: You may be required to stay in the city, county, or state. In a few situations, you may not even be able to leave your residence.
- Reporting Requirement: You will likely be required to report certain information to both the court and your bail bondsman. This may include any changes in employment, address, and day-to-day activities. These reporting requirements will always include dates you must check in with your bail bonds agent and attend all scheduled court proceedings.
- Curfew: You may have to compile with a curfew schedule, which means you cannot be outside your home after a certain time each day.
- Surrendered Documents: You may have to hand over your driver's license and passport as a condition of your release. This will severely limit your travel and prevent leaving the country.
Depending on the nature of the offense you are charged with, there may be other specific conditions of your release. Always make sure you carefully read the paperwork you are provided at the time of your release.
2. Maintain Your Behavior and Personal Appearance
When you are released on bail consider this a second chance. Never make your situation worse by breaking the law and getting arrested again. It is critical, while you are on bail, to follow all laws as well as traffic laws. It is best to avoid parties, bars, and other situations that could lead to trouble more easily. Do not become intoxicated. Treat all friends and family members with courtesy. Maintain employment if you have a job.
Maintenance or improve your appearance if possible. Judges are human so don't fall victim to being superficially judged by having a poor appearance, to include personal hygiene and your clothing. Always present yourself professionally at court by wearing appropriate clothing and maintain a clean, healthy-looking appearance. This includes wearing good clothing and keeping facial hair well trimmed. As a matter of fact, most attorneys will advise you to eliminate all facial hair so take that under consideration. Your effort in presenting yourself in the best light will pay dividends with the judge and jury.
Maintenance or improve your appearance if possible. Judges are human so don't fall victim to being superficially judged by having a poor appearance, to include personal hygiene and your clothing. Always present yourself professionally at court by wearing appropriate clothing and maintain a clean, healthy-looking appearance. This includes wearing good clothing and keeping facial hair well trimmed. As a matter of fact, most attorneys will advise you to eliminate all facial hair so take that under consideration. Your effort in presenting yourself in the best light will pay dividends with the judge and jury.
3. Hire a Lawyer
You should never consider representing yourself. Only a trained and state-approved attorney who understands all the nuances of the legal system and law should be used to defend your case. Good criminal defense lawyers will provide you with the best defense and chance of being found no guilt; or minimally, ensuring your case is reduced to a lesser charge. Typically, attorneys will afford you the following advantages:
A good attorney will use the law to your advantage and ensure you are treated fairly under it. He or she will also know how to respond to the court during all hearings.
- Has the experience and knowledge to adequately defend you
- Makes your case a priority
- Has a history with the judge and can request some professional courtesies
A good attorney will use the law to your advantage and ensure you are treated fairly under it. He or she will also know how to respond to the court during all hearings.
3. Be on Time
It is paramount that you are punctual for all scheduled court hearings. Actually, you should be 5-10 minutes early so as not to risk getting there just on time. In addition to your appearance, being on time is another positive statement you make to the court (judge and jury). It demonstrates you are taking the events seriously and are making the commitment to be respectful of everyone's time. Conversely, being late signifies the opposite: you are showing disrespect by not taking the court seriously. Further, if you fail to appear, you will be violating the "conditions of release" and a warrant will be put out for your arrest. Additionally, your bail will be revoked and you will not be able to get out of jail until your case is resolved.
If you have any questions about the post-release period of your case, contact your attorney and/or bail bondsman. They will be able to provide you with all the necessary information and guidance to make the most of your release and potential for a successful outcome. Trinity Bail Bonds is there to support you not just in being released, but also to help you post-release and in defense of your case.
If you have any questions about the post-release period of your case, contact your attorney and/or bail bondsman. They will be able to provide you with all the necessary information and guidance to make the most of your release and potential for a successful outcome. Trinity Bail Bonds is there to support you not just in being released, but also to help you post-release and in defense of your case.