Being released from jail on bond can be a relief, but it comes with conditions. Bond conditions can be confusing, so it’s important to understand what they mean and what they require. This comprehensive guide will explain the basics of bond conditions and help you understand if you can leave the state while released on bond. We’ll discuss the types of bonds, the potential conditions set by the court, and the consequences of not adhering to the conditions. Ultimately, you’ll have a better understanding of if you can leave the state on bond and what to do if you need to travel while released on bond.
Can You Leave The State On Bond?
Yes, you can leave the state on bond. However, if you are arrested out-of-state and brought back in for a criminal charge in California, your bail will be revoked, and you may be incarcerated pending your trial. In order to leave the state on bond, you must first contact the local district attorney’s office to get their approval.
Types Of Bond
- Personal recognizance bond- this is the most common type of bond. You agree to appear in court, and if you comply with the terms of your bond, the court will release you.
- Cash bond- this type of bond requires you to post a cash collateral deposit with the court. The court will then release you conditional upon your appearance in court and satisfaction of all terms of your bond.
- Surety bond- this type of bond requires someone, usually a friend or family member, to act as a surety for you. If you fail to appear in court or violate the terms of your bond, the surety will be responsible for paying the full amount of your bail.
- Corporate surety bond- this type of bond is usually used when a company is required to post a financial guarantee for the appearance of its employees in court.
- Correctional facility inmate release on recognizance (CFIR) bond- an individual who is incarcerated in a California state prison may be released on CFIR bond. The individual must post a cash collateral deposit with the court, agree to appear in court, and comply with all terms of the bond.
- Probation officer release on recognizance (POR) bond- a person who is on probation may be released on a POR bond. The person must post a cash collateral deposit with the court, agree to appear in court, and comply with all terms of the bond.
- Family member release on recognizance (FRO) bond- a family member may be released on FRO bond. The family member must post a cash collateral deposit with the court, agree to appear in court, and comply with all terms of the bond.
- Immigration detainers- an immigration detainer is an order from a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent asking a local law enforcement agency to hold an individual for ICE custody pending his or her removal from the United States.
- Judicial release on recognizance (JRO) bond- an individual who is charged with a misdemeanor may be released on a JRO bond. The individual must agree to appear in court, post a cash collateral deposit with the court, and comply with all terms of the bond.
- Unsecured appearance bond- an unsecured appearance bond is a type of bond that does not require a cash collateral deposit. The court will release you upon your appearance in court and satisfaction of all terms of your bond.
Conditions That The Court May Set
- That the defendant appear at all future court appearances and comply with any conditions imposed by the court;
- That the defendant does not commit any crimes while on release;
- That the defendant surrender any firearms or other weapons to appropriate authorities;
- That the defendant pay all fines and restitution ordered by the court;
- That the defendant make a financial restitution payment to any victim of the crime for which he or she has been convicted;
- That if released on bail, that defendant surrender his or her driver’s license and automobile registration to appropriate authorities;
- That if released on bond, that defendant sign a surety bond in an amount set by the court;
- That if released on bond, that defendant abide by any reasonable rules set forth by the arresting agency, such as having no contact with victims or witnesses;
- If released on bond, that defendant reside at a specified address unless directed otherwise by the arresting agency; and
- That the defendant obeys all reasonable rules set forth by the arresting agency.
What To Do If You Need To Travel While On Bond?
- Contact the local district attorney’s office to get their approval. The prospect of taking on a new project can be both exciting and overwhelming. Regardless of the task size, it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure it’s done properly.
- Get organized. When you know what needs to be done in order to move forward, it will be easier to track down the information you need. Make a list of all the documents you will need and whether they are in your current location or not. This includes things like your passport and driver’s license.
- Make copies of important documents. If something happens while you are away from home and your original documents are lost or damaged, having a copy on hand will help alleviate some of the stress associated with the situation.
- Plan for travel delays and disruptions. Airlines are notorious for being late, but even road conditions can cause unexpected delays. Be prepared for anything by packing snacks, drinks, and a comfortable place to sleep if necessary.
- Have an emergency fund ready in case something unexpected comes up while on your trip. This could include replacing lost items, paying for unexpected lodging, or covering unexpected expenses such as car repairs or medical bills.
- Make sure you have the correct documentation. If you are a U.S. citizen, make sure you have your passport and driver’s license with you when you leave the state. If you are traveling with a foreign passport, make sure to bring your visa, I-94 card, and travel itinerary.
- Know your rights and responsibilities while on bond. As a defendant in criminal court, you are entitled to certain rights, including the right to a fair trial and the right to remain silent until questioned by law enforcement. You should also be aware of your obligations, such as appearing for court hearings and complying with any conditions of your bond.
- Contact family and friends, if possible, while on bond. Not being able to reach out can be very difficult during this time, and it can be helpful to have someone there to provide support.
- Don’t leave town without telling someone where you’re going and when you plan to return. Leaving without notifying someone can lead to complications down the road, and it can be difficult to get back in touch with people if you do not have their contact information.
- Be prepared to document your trip. Take pictures of important landmarks and scenes, write down what you see, and make a map if necessary. This will help you remember your trip later on, and it can be helpful in case something goes wrong.
Conclusion
Being released on bond can be a scary experience, especially if it’s your first time dealing with the court system. It’s important to understand the types of bonds and the conditions that the court may set. If you need to travel while released on bond, you should follow the procedure for requesting travel authorization. It’s important that you comply with the conditions set by the court to stay out of jail and out of the red.
