Depending on the crime and the severity of it, you usually have the chance to post bail when you are arrested, allowing you to be released from jail while you wait for your hearing. As long as you attend all of your hearings, the bail process is fulfilled. However, bail does come with a cost, which might have you contemplating on whether or not staying in jail is the better choice. If you choose to stay in jail, keep in mind these four dangers that you might have to face.
You Could Lose Your Job
If you do find yourself being arrested and in jail, your employer might find out and decide to fire you, no matter if you committed the crime or not. Some employers might simply fire you due to the circumstances of the crime, such as a violent crime or murder. Whether or not your employer knows anything about the crime or your arrest, you will most likely miss work.
Some employees may not become upset if you miss one or two days while you are waiting for your bail hearing or for someone to pay your bail bond; however, if you stay in jail for weeks or months prior to your hearing, then your employer will have to replace you. If you do not have a job, you will have less money to put into your defense and you will gain added stress, depression, anxiety, and anger.
You Might Become Sick
Jail spaces are quite small with many individuals which gives diseases the opportunity to spread, especially if you have to share a cell with someone else. A simple cold may not be a big deal, but a more serious condition, such as COVID-19, can become more of an issue. The longer you have to stay in jail, the more of a chance you have of being exposed to others in close quarters.
There are other things that can impact your health, as well. Things such as stress, depression, and anxiety, which can lead to GI problems, nausea, ulcers, diarrhea, and acid reflux. Stress and anxiety can also lead to insomnia and sleep disorders. If your sleep cycle becomes disrupted, your immune system could suffer.
More health conditions that could arise are high blood pressure, irregular hearth rhythms, weight loss, weight gain, headaches, and joint pain. In conclusion, the longer you stay in jail, the more your health is at risk.
You Might Say Something Incriminating
When you are arrested, you will hear the infamous line of, “You have the right to remain silent.” This is important to remember so you do not incriminate yourself. Even the smallest inconsistencies can have a negative impact on your case.
This type of information can be used against you, but it does not stop there. If you stay in jail while you wait for your hearing, you may say things that could be used against you. Stating an offhand comment to another inmate could lead them to telling an officer or be called as a witness for prosecution.
Your Defense May Suffer
You and your attorney will work together to create a defense whether or not you are in jail. A part of creating a good defense is coming up with a narrative that includes details which includes your part of the crime. This includes whether or not you were actually involved in the crime or if you were at the location of the crime. Providing proof that you were not at the scene of the crime and did not take part in the crime is also a part of creating a good defense.
Coming up with a good defense must include research, investigations, speaking with witnesses, talking to specialists, etc. Of course, your attorney will do the majority of the work; however, you will need to be able to communicate with them often. This can be hard to do when you are in jail and have certain visitation times.
Being in jail can minimize the worries you may have about your defense, and you do not want that to occur. Instead of focusing on your defense, you might be worried about the dangerous criminals around you, or you might be too depressed to care. Staying focused on your defense should be a top priority.
No one should ever want to get arrested and remaining in jail while you are waiting for your hearing could be a huge mistake. If you do not want to worry about the four dangers mentioned above, contact Mercy Bail Bonds as soon as you can. We are available 24/7 to help you get out of jail while you await your hearing. Your physical and mental well-being, along with your defense, are not only important to you but to us, as well. Call Mercy Bail Bonds at (727) 856-7775 so one of our bond agents can help answer any questions you may have and to make this process as easy as possible.