We all need a vacation at some point. Being on vacation is a time to get away from day-to-day life, relax, and have some fun. Unfortunately, vacations are a time when lots of people make decisions that could land them in jail. As you can imagine, nothing can ruin a vacation like getting arrested.
Common reasons for arrest on vacation include DUIs, domestic violence offenses, and marijuana possession. Usually arrests involve drugs or alcohol since these may be more commonly consumed on vacation.
If you’ve ever been arrested before, you know how scary it can be. But being arrested while on vacation can add even more stress, leaving you feeling lost and alone. So many things could run through your head: “How long will they keep me here? My ride is going back home tomorrow. I have to be back at work on Monday. What if I can’t afford bail? I don’t know anyone here that can help me.”
If you’re ever arrested while you’re on vacation, here’s what you should do.
Be Respectful
Be respectful to the police and booking staff who are involved in your arrest. You’ll probably need their help in order to make phone calls or to get local bail bond phone numbers. Also, remember that whatever you say can be used against you in court. It is best to be silent. Trying to give reasons against your arrest will not work anymore.
Choose Wisely Who You Call
Naturally, you want to get out of jail as soon as possible. You may need to get back to work, catch a ride home, or take care of your family. Unless you have credit cards on you and enough money to post bail by yourself, you probably can’t get out of jail unless you make the right call. Even if you don’t know anyone in the area, you have options for people who can help you.
If you’re in Las Vegas and don’t have friends or relatives living nearby, it doesn’t mean there aren’t people who can help. It’d be a good idea to call your lawyer or a local bail bondsman. Or you can even call a loved one or friend back home to make these calls for you.
Understand the Bail Process
Calling a lawyer or bail bondsman can help you to understand the bail process and help you decide if this is your best option.
To get out of jail, you’ll probably need to post bail. Bail is essentially an insurance policy that promises the state where you are arrested that you will show up on your court date. It can be a large sum of money, usually thousands of dollars, that you will get back once you show up to your court date.
However, many people find it difficult to afford bail. That is where a bondsman comes into play. A bail bondsman will promise to pay the court if you don’t show up at your court date. You’ll need to pay the bondsman about 10% of the bail and often provide collateral to the bail bond company. Oftentimes, it is a loved one who pays for the bond and offers the collateral.
Either contact a bondsman yourself or have a friend or loved one contact them. You’ll want a local bondsman who is familiar with area laws and bond processes.
Remember, posting bail isn’t your only option. A bail bondsman can help you know whether you should post bail or not. A bondsman can also help you get out of jail free, which means you are released on your own recognizance. If the court grants this option, all you have to do is promise to show up in court.
Although it’s locals who are usually granted an O.R. release (i.e., no-cost release), the court still may be persuaded to let you out of jail free even as someone who lives out of state. Convincing factors towards O.R. releases are having a job, having no past criminal record, or having faithfully appeared in court as required for past crimes.
Follow the Conditions of Release
When you are released on bail, you will have to follow certain conditions. Conditions of release vary from state to state and are also based on the crime committed. Common conditions are that you obey all laws. You may also be restricted from contacting a witness. If you violate any of the conditions of release placed upon you, the bail can be revoked and you can be re-arrested.
After being arrested out of your home state and then released on bail, you will generally need to obtain permission from the court to leave the state before your court date, but generally, you will be allowed to return home.
Following the conditions of release-and the other guidelines we have provided-will help your arrest go more smoothly and get you out of jail and back home as soon as possible.