Bonds are expensive, and that is done on purpose to avoid a defendant from fleeing but trying to wait it out in jail for a hearing may cause more trouble than it’s worth. Here are just a few of the reasons why staying in jail can pose a lot of risks to both a person’s lifestyle and health.
You may get fired
Most people may be able to take a day off or two and an employer will understand, but often when waiting on an arraignment, a defendant could potentially be looking at months before their scheduled court hearing. This means that won’t be able to work and the vast majority of employers will choose to, at that point, replace the worker for someone who can physically be there. This can also harm a defendant’s defense in some ways because a judge may look more favorably at someone who has used their time out on bond wisely and one of the best ways to do that is to maintain employment.
It’s more difficult to set up a defense
When someone is detained, any information discussed through phone calls and visitations can and will be used against them legally. Because of this, it can be more difficult to create a strategy with a lawyer or just discuss anything more personal for fear that it might be misunderstood or taken in a way that can hurt the defendant’s case. This is why most will meet with a lawyer after they are released at their offices and avoid divulging to much while actually being detained in jail.
Getting sick
One huge risk currently in the time of the COVID 19 pandemic is that many jail facilities across the country have had Covid outbreaks and there is just only so much that can be done to take precautions when many people are stuck in close proximity together. By opting to stay in jail, a defendant runs the risk of not only getting Covid but also a host of other illnesses that could be avoided.
If you can’t afford to be released, you may still be able to work with a bail bonds agency
For many, the reason why they stay in jail is because they can’t afford the bond and that is completely understandable. However, it is also important to note that many bail bond agencies exist to give options to the majority of people who don’t have the resources to pay for a bond upfront in cash. Bail bond agencies first of all, only require on average about 10% of the total bond cost and that can be paid in many ways from cash to collateral or even payment plans. Not having a ton of money shouldn’t make you feel like you need to stay detained for months while awaiting your hearing.
Overall, in most cases you are doing your health and your case more harm by staying in jail but even if you don’t have the money to pay the bond up front, there are options that can help so you don’t have to stay stuck in jail.
