If you've been arrested for domestic violence, and you've been able to post bail, you need to take steps to protect your freedom. Domestic violence charges are very serious. One wrong move while you're out on bail and you could end up back in police custody. Now that you're out on bail, use the tips provided here to help you avoid problems while you're awaiting trial for domestic violence charges.
Avoid Contact With the Protected Person
If you're out on bail awaiting trial for domestic violence charges, don't make contact with the victim. This is especially important if the victim has obtained an order of protection against you. If you violate the terms of your bail or the terms of the order of protection, your bail may be revoked. If that happens, you'll end up back in police custody until the court case is resolved. Not only that but if you break the terms of the order of protection, that information can be used against you during the trial. To protect yourself, avoid all contact with the victim in your domestic violence case. If the victim contacts you, cease communication and report the incident to your attorney right away.
Abstain From Drug and Alcohol Use
If you've been charged with domestic violence, and you're out on bail, you'll need to refrain from drug and alcohol use — including recreational marijuana. Bail releases for domestic violence cases often include provisions for the defendant to avoid the use of alcohol and drugs. In fact, they may require you to submit to random drug and alcohol testing. If random drug and alcohol testing is a condition for your bail release, it's important you follow that condition. Otherwise, you may end up back in jail until your trial comes to an end.
Avoid All Contact With Firearms
If you've been released on bail for your domestic violence charges, avoid all contact with firearms, especially if there's an order of protection attached to your court case. Once you're out on bail, you may be ordered to relinquish your firearms. That means you'll need to hand your firearms over to the court. If you're caught in possession of firearms, even those that don't belong to you, your bail may be revoked.
Maintain Communication With Your Attorney
Finally, if you've been arrested for domestic violence, and you've posted bail, it's important that you maintain communication with your criminal defense attorney. Your attorney will need to know where you are, and what you're doing while you're out on bail. They also need to know if you experience any problems while you're out on bail. You might not think the situation warrants communication with your attorney, but that might not be the case.
You may want to know if there are things you can do while on bail. You can try this out by contacting a bail bonds service.
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