Police officers do not always take individuals to jail when they are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Mesa. For misdemeanor cases, the person is usually cited and released. In other scenarios, such as felony cases, law enforcement will take the person to jail and hold them on bond.
It is important to work with a skilled DUI attorney during this process. A lawyer can be present during the initial bond hearing to ensure that the bond amount is fair and can even work to get you released from police custody. Call our office today to discuss pretrial release and bond in Mesa DUI cases.
A bond is a quantity of money that a person has to pay or deposit with the court in order to be released from jail while a court case is pending. When a person is booked into jail and held, a judge looks at the facts of the case, including:
The court balances all these factors to determine what is an appropriate release condition for a person. Sometimes this can include a bond, meaning that the person is required to pay a certain sum of money in order to be released. A person can pay that amount to the court to have that money deposited, and then if they fulfill the requirements of the bond, they will be released with information about their next court date.
When someone has a court case that is pending, they are often required to appear for court and follow certain guidelines or restrictions while their case is pending. Restricted activities could include leaving the county, possessing a firearm, returning to the scene of the alleged crime, and consuming drugs or alcohol. During an initial appearance hearing, which happens within 24 hours of a person’s arrest, a court will determine what that person’s release conditions are.
If the accused person has an attorney, that attorney will appear at the initial hearing and advocate for the person’s release. A lawyer can use an individual’s specific circumstances, such as their likelihood not to re-offend, to sway the judge towards releasing them rather than detaining them or imposing a bond. This is known as the pretrial release process.
If an individual violates their release conditions and the violation is proven, the court can take them into custody. The court may apply a bond or increase the bond that has been set, which can make it very difficult for that person to be released while the case is pending.
Additionally, if someone is on release for a felony offense and they commit a new felony offense, the court can hold that person indefinitely without bond, meaning they have no ability to get out of jail while the cases are pending. Noncompliance with pretrial release can have serious consequences, so it is essential to consult with a Mesa attorney who can make sure that you understand the conditions of your release.
If you or someone you love has been booked into jail for driving under the influence, it is crucial that you get in touch with a dedicated lawyer right away. An attorney can appear on your behalf in front of a judge and argue for your release. Our legal team at Grand Canyon Law Group is experienced in pretrial release and bond in Mesa DUI cases and will work hard to ensure that you have the best possible outcome. Contact us today to get started on your case.