Posting bail allows defendants in a criminal case to await their court dates at home instead of jail, but this freedom isn’t total. The court may issue certain conditions, and your bond agency may have requirements of their own. To avoid violating the terms of your release, below are a few actions to abstain from.

What Not to Do When Released on Bail

1. Leave the Country

Depending on the nature of the charges, the judge might expressly forbid you from leaving the state, and may even seize your passport as a condition for release. However, even if you aren’t barred from traveling, don't leave the country, as it may look like you're trying to skip court.

2. Get Arrested Again

If you’re arrested while out on bail, your previous bond will most likely be surrendered. This means that getting released again may require you to post two new bonds, one for each charge, with double the consequences. Therefore, strive to keep a low profile.

3. Miss Court Dates

Bail is essentially collateral to ensure that you show up in court. If you miss a date, the bonds agency will likely lose the money they’ve posted, and will probably come to deliver you back into custody. The agency may also file a lawsuit to collect the money they lost, which could total tens of thousands of dollars. Alternatively, if you had a co-signer on the bail, they are now responsible for making up your debt.

If you’ve been arrested in Texarkana, TX, the professionals at Bi­-State Bail Bonds offer help when you need it the most. As Bowie County’s top-rated local bond agency, they’ve been assisting defendants and their families since 1997. Visit their website to review their services or call (903) 794-2245 for help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.