Hopefully, you never need to hire a bail bondsman, but if you do, there are some things you need to understand about the bail process. The bondsman is going to have specific rules and things they expect, and you need to follow them, or you risk having you bail revoked and returning to jail. Pay attention to what they tell you, and you will be fine. Here are a few general rules to consider.

Bail Is Not A Ticket To Freedom

If you have been arrested for something serious enough to require a bond, you will have to wait until after the bond hearing to get out of jail. That hearing will be in front of a judge, and it determines if there is going to be a high or low bail, or if you can get released on personal recognizance or PC. If you are released, you cannot just live like you are free, the fact is, you are not. Your bail can be revoked anytime and will be if you do something you should not.

Stay Away From Drugs, Gangs, and Crime

It doesn't really matter why you were arrested, but while you are out on bond, you have to stay clear of any criminal activity, you cannot use drugs of any kind, and you have got to stay away from gangs and other groups that are out there. Treat your release like a test and be on your best behavior to pass the test. Some people have a hard time understanding that they are not really free while on bail and try to go back to their normal day to day activity, which might have been the thing that got them arrested in the first place. Don't take a chance; just stay away from the negative elements in your life, and you will be okay.

Make Your Court Dates

This is one of the most important parts of your bail conditions. If you have a court date for anything, show up. It doesn't matter what it is; if you miss a date, the judge will revoke your bail and order you back to jail, so you will not miss another court appearance. In some cases, one missed court date will trigger a response from the bail company, and they will more than likely track you down and revoke you themselves. Missing a court date is a breach of your contract, and in many cases, they will not take a chance that you will miss another and cost them their bond money.

For more information, contact a company like Richard Cloud Bail Bonding.