What It Means to Be Released from Jail on Bail Conditions

When you first get arrested, you’ll sit in Atlanta jail until the charges are filed, which can be up to 48 hours from the time you were booked. Once this occurs, you may see the magistrate judge who will agree to release you under certain bond conditions that you must abide by until you appear in state court.

Examples of Bail Conditions

Bail conditions are assigned to help ensure that defendants come to court at their designated time, or to provide protection for the community.

For example, the magistrate may specify that you must:

• Obey all laws
• Refrain from drug and alcohol use
• Participate in drug and alcohol testing
• Attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and/or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings
• Not be in the possession of any weapons
• Stay away from certain people
• Avoid going to certain places
• Follow a curfew
• Comply with specific travel restrictions

How Bond Conditions Are Decided

Magistrate judges have a lot of leeway when it comes to deciding which conditions they will appoint to you. They’ll typically factor in your criminal history, your physical and mental condition, seriousness and nature of the crime, your likelihood to flee and not attend court, and whether or not you have a history of substance abuse.

What Happens If You Violate a Condition of Bail?

If you violate your bond conditions, you’ll be lucky if you only get a warning. You should take your conditions seriously because violating them can get you thrown right back into jail, at least until your state court hearing.

When to Get An Attorney Involved

Magistrate judges have to give you bond conditions that are within your constitutional rights. If you were told to do something that you disagree with or are incapable of complying with then consult  with Jeff Manciagli, our Atlanta, Georgia attorney. We can help you get your conditions changes if needed.