Hi <<Goes By Name>>,
In all but the most serious criminal cases, the defendant is not in custody, while the case is pending. The case may have been issued on a summons, the defendant may be required to sign a recognizance bond (which is a written promise to appear in court), or the defendant may have posted a bond. Regardless, when someone is not detained in a criminal case, there are often conditions — rules that must be followed while the case is pending. These aren’t just suggestions.
Violating bond conditions or conditions of pretrial release can result in immediate consequences, including an arrest warrant, being taken back into custody, and being detained until trial.
Common Conditions of Bond
Bond conditions are designed to ensure public safety and help guarantee that the person returns for future court dates. Some of the most common include:
Attending all required court dates
No contact with alleged victims or witnesses
No new law violations while out on bond
Travel restrictions or surrendering a passport
Regular drug testing
Continuous alcohol monitoring via a SCRAM bracelet or some other device
GPS monitoring or house arrest
Prohibition from possessing firearms or weapons
Some courts may also impose curfews or require periodic check-ins with a pretrial services office.
