What to Do if You’re Arrested On Vacation

Vacation is the time to relax, visit a new town and have fun. Unfortunately, going on vacation is also a time when many people do things that may land them in jail. Some of the most common reasons for being arrested while on vacation include traffic offenses such as DUIs, drug possession, domestic violence offenses and battery. Being arrested is a scary situation, but it is even more stressful if it happens while you’re on vacation. Here is what you should do if the situation should ever arise.

At the Time of Your Arrest

First and foremost, it is important to remember that at the time of your arrest, proving your innocence or guilt does not matter at this point, so it’s best not to try to prove your reasoning. It is essential that you are respectful to the police as well as the jail staff. In fact, you will most likely need their help in making phone calls and getting the phone numbers for a local bondsman. Keep in mind that everything you say can be used against you in court, so it is best to stay silent until you have a lawyer present.

Bonding Out of Jail

In most situations, you will probably have to post bail in order to get out of jail. The amount of your bail will vary depending on what your charges are. Many people find it difficult to pay their bail, especially when on vacation, which is where a local bondsman can help. A bail bondsman promises to pay the court if you do not show up for your court dates. You will need to pay a fee to the bondsman and may also have to provide collateral to ensure the bail bond company gets repaid for putting up your bail money. When you show up at court, the bond is released to the bond company, you or whoever it is that has paid the bond.

Can You Go Home After Being Released From Jail?

If you are on vacation and you are arrested, it is important to hire a local attorney and a local bondsman, like Free at Last. You may have to go to some of the court hearings, but in many situations, your lawyer can represent you so you do not have to go to every hearing. If you are charged with a misdemeanor, the police may issue a PTA (Promise to Appear), which means you will be able to waive your presence and are permitting an attorney to represent you at court hearings. With this waiver, your attorney can build your defense, request state evidence and accept a plea bargain on your behalf. If you were arrested for a felony charge, you may qualify for a PTD (Pre-Trial Diversion), which means for certain matters you can waive your presence. You will need to plan on being in court for all recommended dates as well as your trial. If you were arrested for a DUI, the state you were arrested in may issue an Interstate Driver’s License Compact, which is done to ensure you appear in court. If you are charged with a DUI and do not appear in court, your driver’s license may be suspended and there may be a warrant issued for your arrest.

Being released on bail means you must follow certain conditions which vary from state to state as well as the crime you are charged with. If you do not follow the terms of your release that have been placed by the court or the bond company, your bail can be revoked, and you may be re-arrested. When you are arrested outside of your home state and released on bail, you will typically have to get permission from the court if you want to leave the state until your court date, but in most situations, you will be allowed to return to your home state.

Need help posting bail while on vacation in Atlanta? Contact us at Free At Last Bail Bonds for assistance today!