After someone has been arrested and gone through booking, they will go through a bond hearing where most likely a judge will set a bond cost, and with that comes bond conditions. Bond conditions are a set of terms that go along with a release from jail that must be complied with in order to avoid going back to jail. There are many types of bond conditions that can be attached to a bond but these are probably the most common types that you will see:
Addictive substances
As with during any type of probation, one of the first set of rules that are usually put into place is in regards to both legal and illegal substances. This is especially true if the charges against the defendant for things DUI’s or possession of illegal substances. Usually, it will be required that the defendant forgo any alcohol or drugs while out on bond and may need to test to prove their adherence.
Employment
Employment is a huge part of being out on bond not only because it can prove that you have been a productive member of society while out which can help your overall case but also because in many instances, a judge will mandate it. If you already have a job, the judge wants to see that you can keep the job and stay busy and consistent with it. If you don’t have a job, it may be required that you sign up for workforce services to help you get placed into something. It will usually be a pre-trial officer that will check in with you to see how the job is going.
Travel
Because the main point of bond it to make sure that a defendant does not flee before their hearing, it makes sense that probably the most common bond condition is one that revokes travel privileges. In most cases, you are not able to leave the state and sometimes even your home but there are some situations in which the courts could have this waived, it will usually be work-related however.
Restraining Orders
If the charges brought forth against the defendant have anything to do with domestic abuse or physical altercations, it is almost a guarantee that the bond conditions will include some type of restraining order against the proposed victim. This of course to ensures the safety of all involved and any violation will result in the defendant going back to jail.
Pre-trail officers
A pre-trial officer is very similar in functions to that of a probation officer but it is for before the hearing instead of after. The role of the pre-trial officer is to make sure all bond conditions are being complied with so it’s important to be available for them if they come around for a check or you need to check in with them. They make ask for drug tests or proof of employment as part of their compliance checks.
