Is it wise to wait in jail for your day in court? Or is it better to bail yourself out and work on building a defense, even if conviction seems likely? The short answer to the question is a plain NO; you should not remain in jail. While it might look advantageous at first, it has multiple drawbacks. If you are convicted during the trial and awarded a prison sentence, the sentence will be decreased as “credit for time served”. So, if you spent one full month in prison before the trial, your sentence period will be reduced by the same number of days.
At first glance, it seems that someone with high chances of conviction should forgo bail in such cases; they will do so in order to save the money required to post bail. However, the assumption of serving time is wrong, as many convicted individuals do not make it to jail nowadays due to overcrowding. Furthermore, a legal case can switch gears at any point, and acquittal is a likely outcome.
Thus, there are good reasons to opt for bail. If finances are a barrier, contact a trustworthy bail bonds business to help you out. Defendants in California may rely on bail bonds Santa Barbara for a fast release from the detention facility. Continue reading this article to find out why you should opt for a bail bond instead of spending time before the trial in jail.
- The Case May Get Stale: While you are out on bail, witnesses can vanish, statements can change, and many cases usually become lifeless. Bailed out under-trials undoubtedly end up with better arrangements.
- Making the Wrong Move: One staying in a correctional facility may make damaging statements to police officers or other inmates; these remarks, in turn, can have disastrous consequences if used against them during the trial.
- Not Your Place to Stay: Correctional facilities are unhygienic and unsafe. Another reason to opt for bail should be because the prison system is more terrible for detainees awaiting their trials than they are for the actual criminals. For instance, convicts can use the gym facilities, the prison library, and they might be given employment and remuneration for the same. Before a trial, these alternatives may not be accessible.
- The Bigger Picture: Lastly, suspects who get to walk free can undertake constructive steps that may lead the jury or court to excuse or at least decrease the charges against them, thereby lessening any punitive actions. Pendency is the right time to convince authorities that one has learned from his mistakes, attempted reparations, and will most likely steer clear of legal trouble in the future. Rehabilitation programs are an excellent way for non-violent criminals to avoid jail time and fines.
- For instance, Sarah is charged with driving under the influence of Alcohol. Sarah bails out of jail quickly with the help of a bondsman, makes restitution (pays money) to the owner of the car she had hit, and begins a drug court program offered through a community mental health center.
- Weeks later, when Sarah and her attorney meet with the prosecutor to see if the case can be settled without trial. She has a letter from her counselor praising her efforts and from her probation officer.
- The prosecutor may be impressed enough with Sarah’s self-help efforts to place her on informal probation and drop all charges on the condition that she completes the counseling program and has no further arrests during that period.
Don’t wait in jail, hoping for a way out. Make the right choice and contact a bondsman for a speedy release.
