3 Risks You Avoid By Posting Bail
Anyone who is arrested for a crime has two options: post bail or stay in jail until their initial court appearance. You may be tempted just to wait out your stay in jail in order to save money. Be aware that staying in jail could pose some risks that actually hurt your chances of being proven innocent.
Here are three risks that you can avoid simply by posting bail and enjoying your freedom while awaiting your court date.
1. Ineffective Defense
You must work in coordination with your defense attorney to gather evidence, get statements from witnesses, and collect information that will be useful in proving your innocence.
While your attorney will handle many of the tasks associated with building your defense, it is critical that you are available to discuss your case with the attorney at all times.
Visiting hours in the jail can be limited, which makes it difficult for your attorney to confer with you on important details. Posting bail ensures that you can play an active role in building your defense strategy as you prepare for court.
2. Loss of Employment
You have no control over the date that is set for your initial court appearance after being arrested. This means that you could remain in jail for a number of days while awaiting your turn to meet with a judge.
Your ability to make phone calls while in jail is limited, which makes it more difficult to contact your employer and request time off. If you miss work as a result of your incarceration, your employer could make the decision to terminate your employment.
By posting bail after you are arrested, you are able to continue working as your case moves through the legal system.
3. Poor Health
Jail administrators determine who you will share a room with while housed in their facility. This means that you may be placed in a room with an inmate who suffers from a communicable illness.
The health care offered to inmates isn't always the best, so your overall health can start to decline the longer you are behind bars.
Posting bail will prevent you from being housed in close proximity with strangers that have the potential to make you sick.
The money you will save by foregoing bail is not worth the risks that you take by remaining in jail. Work with a bail bond agent after an arrest to help you find the best option for posting bail.
For more information, contact a bail bond service.