You might wonder, can a bail bond be revoked once a defendant is already out on bail? The short answer is yes. Whenever one signs a bail bond, they agree to certain legal restrictions put forth by the court. These restrictions aim to reduce flight risk and ensure public safety and serve as safeguards to ensure an uninterrupted trial. If one or multiple bail conditions are violated, your bail may be revoked depending on the judge’s discretion.
Curfew and Contacting Other Parties: Every bailee is required to maintain a curfew at a particular location decided by the court. That means that you can only move out within a limited distance within a specific period during the day. You must return to the specified location, usually by 7 PM. Moreover, contacting other parties such as any witness, co-arrestee, or the victim is strictly prohibited.
- For certain offenses, one may be required to wear an electronic ankle bracelet and stay within their housing premises. This way, law enforcement officials can monitor their location 24/7.
- If one wishes to modify these restrictions, a notice has to be provided to the police at least two days before. Usually, these conditions cannot be changed at your bail hearing unless specifically communicated by your lawyer before it.
- To modify any bail conditions, the co-signer(s), if any, need to appear at court or write a Letter of No Objection. This letter certifies their agreement and needs to be shown to the magistrate before any change is approved.
Don’t Travel Without Permission: Depending on the severity of the alleged crime and flight risk traveling may be restricted to a few kilometers during bail.
- It is better to consult a local bail bondsman to stay updated with the travel restrictions. For instance, if the defendant is in San Diego, he may talk to a city based bondsman to know more about the bail conditions. Consulting with an experienced bail bond business in San Diego is the best way to know about the specific restrictions.
- Permission for travel is required for urgent situations, such as medical emergencies, business trips, religious pilgrimage, or visiting an ill or a dying loved one.
Illegal Activities: Getting into legal trouble before the trial is the most common reason for canceled bails. Moreover, it will also jeopardize future bail applications, as the court will tend not to trust your sense of responsibility when on bail.
- Staying out of illegal activities is crucial to winning the case. It is important to attend regular check-ins with the police and the court if they request one. Ignoring their messages or attempts to communicate might result in the cancellation of bail.
- Skipping bail is illegal in all jurisdictions. This involved failure to show up for court-stipulated appearances. If required, liaise with relevant authorities for any authorization required for exceptional circumstances.
- Leaving the immediate area without permission is considered skipping bail. Once this comes to the attention of the law, the court readily issues a warrant for your arrest. Further bails will be denied.
Tampering with Evidence: If one is caught doing so, either on their own or with the help of friends, family, or defense attorneys, they risk losing their bail and potentially getting jailed for up to 6 months for the misdemeanor.
Use of Alcohol and Drugs: Substance abuse before trial is prevalent, and it brings one’s character and moral strength into question. It is valid grounds for the cancellation of bail as these substances can disrupt rational thinking and subsequently lead to disastrous consequences.
A speedy bail is essential to meet personal and family responsibilities, resume employment and prevent additional stigma from spending a long time behind bars. Follow all bail conditions carefully, and expect a positive outcome on your day in court.
