Getting What Is Rightfully Yours

How To Be Released From Jail On Your Own Recognizance

23 May 2019

Estelle Mathieu

Being arrested is never a positive event but the law allows some fortunate people to get out of jail by having a good reputation. Once free, you can take a more hands-on approach when working with your defense lawyer on your criminal case. To find out more about this type of get-out-of-jail-free card, read on.

Three Ways to Obtain Freedom from Jail

Bail is the most common method of being released from jail. If offered bail, you have the choice of paying the bail and getting out of jail right away. Many times, however, the cost of the bail is several thousand dollars and not everyone has that kind of ready cash. For those people, bail bonding agencies pay the full price of the bail on the defendant's behalf along with a pledge that the accused will return to court to face the charges. The bail agency charges customers a fee that equals a certain percentage of the full bail amount, which is non-refundable. Lastly, there is own recognizance (OR). This method of being released from jail requires zero dollars but it might still come with some conditions and rules.

Judging Your Reputation

Your reputation, at least when it comes to being released from jail using OR, means that the judge and/or the state prosecutor's office has confidence that you won't flee and fail to return for later court dates. That usually means that you have stable employment, have plenty of family in the area, and that you have ties to the community. Additionally, you should have little to no criminal record. Along with your reputation, getting released on OR depends on the charges. OR is usually only an option for minor criminal charges, such as misdemeanors. If those in charge of making the OR decision feels that you can be released from jail and that you pose no threat to the public, then you will be released.

OR Conditions

If you get released on bail, you will only be released if agree to abide by certain rules. OR releases carry the same conditions. Violation of any condition will land you back in jail, where you will await your court date in relative misery. Additionally, you are not as likely to be eligible for either OR or bail if you encounter future arrests. Take a look at some common conditions OR release participants might have to honor:

1. The surrender of your passport.
2. Prohibition of associating with known criminals and felons.
3. Prohibition on associating with alleged victims in the case.
4. Prohibited from carrying a weapon.
5. No breaking any laws.

Speak to a criminal defense attorney about your case as soon as possible.

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