Bail Conditions in Difficult Cases

The specific bail conditions set by the judge will depend upon the crime with which you are charged. Your Sacramento criminal defense attorney will need to be realistic about what sorts of bail considerations will be open to you if your case is more difficult, such as one involving drug trafficking or violence.

If you are arrested for selling drugs, you need to be careful about posting bail. If you cannot prove a legitimate source of income that is substantial enough to pay your bail, trying to meet the bail will, in itself, be highly suggestive of your guilt. Your Sacramento criminal defense attorney may ask the judge to consider an alternative form of restricting your movement, such as the wearing of a GPS monitor or house arrest.

If, however, neither of these alternatives is accepted, you should try to use non-liquid assets, such as a house, as surety for bail, or ask several people who are willing to stake their assets on your abiding by bail conditions and eventually returning to court.

An arrest for a violent crime can make for difficulty in obtaining bail as well. The judge will almost certainly have a concern for protecting the community and victims which precludes anything but a very high bail. Indeed, the judge is probably trying to set a bail you cannot meet to keep you in custody. One option your Sacramento criminal defense attorney has is to ask for an alternative form of detainment, such as home detention with a GPS device, coupled with an order to stay away from victims and their families.

It is important that you achieve bail if it is at all possible. Fighting criminal charges while behind bars is extremely difficult. Moreover, you will likely lose your job in the process, as well as assets such as your home if you cannot make payments while incarcerated.

If you are facing criminal charges, it is imperative that you hire a Sacramento criminal defense attorney right away. A conviction can mean jail or prison time; and when you are released, your problems will just be starting. You may have a very difficult time finding employment or housing in the future. Call Param Pabla today for a consultation at (916) 285-7900.