What You Need to Know About Bond Violations

 Posted on April 10, 2017 in Criminal Defense

When you are arrested, charged with a crime, and released on bond, there are certain conditions that you must meet. If you fail to meet them, you could be charged with a bond violation. The following information can help you learn more about the consequences of this offense, how to avoid them, and what you can do if you are charged with a bond violation in the state of Illinois.

Who Sets the Requirements?

Before you are released, a judge reviews your case to determine if you are eligible for bond. This same judge also sets the amount of your bond and outlines what your requirements are while you are out on bond. This might include going to drug or alcohol counseling, undergoing regular drug or alcohol testing, checking in regularly with a person or group of people (or not contacting certain people). You will also be instructed not to leave the state, and may not even be permitted to travel more than just a short distance from your home. Further, you must appear for all your court hearings once you are released.

What Are the Consequences of a Bond Violation?

If the judge released you on bond but you fail to meet the requirements, you automatically forfeit any bail money that was posted on your behalf. Further, you may face additional charges for committing a bond violation. The severity of that violation is based largely upon the original charge for which you were released. It is also worth noting that possession of a firearm is considered a separate bond violation, and it carries some of the highest bond violation penalties possible—a Class 4 felony for your first offense and a Class 3 felony for your second offense. Should you face any of these charges, it is important that you contact an experienced criminal law attorney.

How an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

If you are being charged with a crime and have also experienced a bond violation, you are at an especially high risk for serious criminal penalties. It is a rather high price to pay if you simply misunderstood the conditions or violated them unintentionally. Thankfully, a criminal defense lawyer may be able to mitigate the charges. In some cases, it may even be possible to have the charges completely dismissed.

Do not be a victim of circumstance. Fight back with help from our Chicago criminal defense lawyers. Dedicated to your best interests, we will aggressively protect your rights. In every situation, we pursue the most favorable outcome possible. Call 773-276-5541 for a free consultation at Luisi Legal Group today.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=072500050K110-7