If you’ve been arrested for a crime there’s a good chance you’ll be released on bail unless the crime was severe, there’s a high chance you’ll skip out on bail, or you’re a repeat offender. You may be asking yourself that age-old question posed by The Clash―should I stay or should I go?
Reasons for Staying in Jail
It may seem like a no-brainer but there are a couple reasons why someone may consider staying in jail rather than post bail and go home.
The cost is too much.
If bail is too high even going through a bail bond agent that would only charge you a 10% non-refundable premium, you may want to hold onto your money or not have to ask a family member to give you money for your release. If you simply can’t afford it.
To get a head start.
If there’s a good chance you’ll be convicted and receive jail time, you may consider staying in jail to get a head start on your jail term. Any time that you spend in jail before you’re arrested will be used as a credit for your sentence and be considered “time served”. Of course, if you’re wrong and you don’t get a jail sentence, you stayed in jail for nothing. There’s a chance that your case will be changed and your charges reduced to a misdemeanor or dropped altogether.
Reasons for Getting Out On Bail
You could lose your job.
Your employer is under no legal obligation to hold your job open for you if you’ve been arrested and thrown in jail.
Being in jail is traumatic.
Jail means you’ve lost your freedom, access to the outdoors, lost your privacy, lost access to friends and family, and it puts you under a lot of stress. In jail, you’re exposed to people who may be mentally ill and others who are extremely violent and dangerous.
You could be injured.
Jails are violent places. You may get into trouble that causes you harm.
You’ll create a divide between yourself and your loved ones.
Even if you keep in close contact with the people you love, it’s not the same as being at home with them. If there’s a good chance you’ll be convicted and serve time, you’ll want to spend as much time as you can with those that you love.
You could be charged with more crimes.
Even if you mind your own business while you’re in jail, it’s easy to get into trouble. Even if you’re defending yourself in a fight, you could end up seeing extra charges and more time in jail.
You might incriminate yourself.
While in jail, you may say something that could incriminate yourself and hurt your case.
While You’re Out On Bail
There are a lot more advantages to being out on bail than there are staying in jail. Being on the outside allows you to stay at your job and continue to bring home a paycheck, you can stay close with your family, and continue living your life with all its freedoms. One of the most important reasons for getting out on bail is that you can clean up your act and show the judge at your trial that you’re doing things right and putting the illegal ways behind you. This may influence the judge and lessen the length of your sentence.
If you’ve been arrested in the New Port Richey area, Mercy Bail Bonds can help. Our experts can walk you through the bail bonds process and get you or your loved one out of jail quickly and confidentially. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you in your time of need. So if you’ve been arrested in New Port Richey or around Central Florida, call us today at (727) 856-7775