When you are detained on suspicion of a crime, you almost always have the option to post bail immediately for most crimes, which lets you leave custody and wait for your hearing at home. If you show up for all of your hearings, the bail process will be finished; however, since bail has a fee, you might wonder if staying in jail would be a better choice. There are several disadvantages & even dangers to remaining in jail while awaiting your hearing. Here are a few examples.
1. There's a Possibility You'll Fall Sick
Jails are perfect for spreading disease because so many people are packed into such small spaces, especially if you have to share a cell. You might be opening yourself to catching a cold, flu, or other transmittable diseases. Think about more severe conditions like COVID-19 or other viruses. This probability definitely increases the more you spend time in close quarters with others and the longer you are incarcerated.
Of course, experiencing stress, hopelessness, or worry can harm your health too. Other GI issues can cause nausea, ulcers, diarrhea, and acid reflux. Insomnia and sleep disorders are frequent side effects of stress and anxiety, and your immune system may suffer if your sleep cycle is disturbed. The other health problems include high blood pressure, unnatural cardiac rhythms, weight gain or loss, headaches, and joint pain. The basic truth is that your physical & mental health is jeopardized the longer you are incarcerated.
2. Separation From Friends & Family.
Staying in jail means being separated from loved ones, which can also be emotionally taxing and can have long-term effects on family relationships.
3. You Could Potentially Lose Your Job.
Whether or not you committed the crime, if you are arrested, and your employer finds out, you might lose your job. Due to the nature of the crime, such as murder or other serious offenses, certain employers may fire you. You will probably miss work even if your employer is unaware of the crime or arrest.
Your supervisor might be okay with you taking a few days off work because you're awaiting a court date or your bond payment. If you spend several weeks or months in jail before your court date, your company will probably have to find a replacement for you. If you don't have a job, you will have less money to use for your defense & your other expenses; you'll also experience greater stress, despair, concern, and fear.
4. Your Defense Could Be in Danger
Being in jail can make it difficult to prepare your defense properly. You may have limited access to legal resources, and it can be challenging to communicate with your lawyer and gather evidence. Usually your attorney will want to work together to develop your defense, whether or not you are detained until your court appearance. He will create a narrative that describes your involvement in the crime (if you committed the crime or were present at the crime scene) or provide evidence that you did not attend the crime scene or participate in it.
This calls for research, inquiries, witness interviews, and expert consultations, etc. Even though the majority of the work that will be done for you will be by your attorney, but you'll need to be able to communicate with him or her frequently, which might be difficult if you're in jail with a few visitors allowed on restricted time.
5. You Might Say Something Suspicious
If you've ever been arrested or witnessed an arrest on television, you've probably heard someone say, "You have the right to remain silent." To avoid being implicated in your actions, do this. Even minor differences can hurt the credibility of your case. For instance, you might tell one officer that you were at Location A when the crime was committed but later tell a different officer that you were at Location B.
The threat is not over once this knowledge is used against you. If you remain in jail while awaiting your court date, whatever you say there might be used against you. Even if you say something in passing to another prisoner, they could tell an officer or testify against you.
6. Risk of Pleading Guilty: The pressure of being in jail can lead some people to hastily plead guilty to charges, even if they are not guilty. This is particularly true for those who cannot afford to post bail and must remain in jail for an extended period.
7. Risk of Experiencing Physical Abuse or Harm
Jails are often overcrowded and usually under violent environments. This causes a risk of physical harm from other inmates or even aggressive type staff. According to statistics, there has been a 180% increase in cases of alleged sexual assault and harassment in jail or prison. It makes sense because jail is where criminals of all stripes are housed together. The danger still exists, and these incidents can still occur even when security measures are in place.
Final Thoughts
For the reasons outlined above, staying in jail while you await hearing might compromise your whole case, your physical & mental health, safety, finances, and career. It's essential to work with a lawyer to explore your options for bail and other alternatives to incarceration.
If you find yourself in trouble, contact us at A Easy Way Out Bail Bonds. We are a locally owned bail bonds company in Las Vegas & Henderson with a passionate goal to help people in need of quick bail with 24-hour bail bond services.
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