A personal recognizance bond, or a “PR” bond, is a bond that allows the accused to be released from jail without having to pay a financial sum. The offender has to promise to appear in court on a certain date.
While a PR bond may seem like a good option, the attorneys at the Mendoza Law Firm would like to explain how a PR Bond works to help you discern if it is the right option for you.
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What is a Bond?
When a person is arrested, the convicted person may be given the option to have a bond posted on his or her behalf by a bondsman. A bond is co-signed by a bondsman and guarantees that the defendant will appear in court as promised. The bondsman will post a bond in exchange for the convicted putting something of value up for collateral.
Conditions of a PR Bond
Unlike a standard bond, a PR bond allows the defendant to be released from prison pre-trial without having to post money as a security. The PR bond allows the convicted to be released on his or her own accord.
A judge will only grant a PR bond after reviewing an individual’s particular case and analyzing the following:
- The defendant’s criminal history
- The defendant’s current employment status
- The defendant’s ties to the local community
- Likelihood the defendant will reappear in court
- Defendant’s threat to public safety
- Severity of the charges
Even if the accused meets all the prerequisites to be released on his or her own accord, this does not necessarily mean that a judge will grant a PR bond.
Texas Law on PR Bonds
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The State cannot drag its feet for too long. According to Article 17.151 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, after ninety days of being incarcerated, if a prosecutor has not indicted the defendant, the accused must be released on a personal bond or have bail reduced. This is known as a “release because of delay.”
However, under section 2 of Article 17.151, the 90-day release would not apply to a defendant who is:
1. Serving a sentence of imprisonment for another offense while the defendant is serving that sentence;
2. Being detained pending trial of another accusation against the defendant as to which the applicable period has not yet elapsed;
3. Incompetent to stand trial during the period of the defendant’s incompetence; or
4. Being detained for a violation of the conditions of a previous release related to the safety of a victim of the alleged offense or to the safety of the community.
The Downside
If you have been arrested, the process of getting a PR bond will cause a delay in your release from jail since you will need to get personal references to vouch for your standing in the community. You will also need to be interviewed by a pretrial officer. The court system does not move quickly, so you can expect an extended prison stay.
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Also, there may be additional costs that come with a PR bond. One common cost is court-ordered classes, the expense which you will be required to pay. These classes will be a condition of your PR bond, and if you don’t uphold your end of the deal, you will likely have to pay the full bail amount, and you could potentially be re-arrested.
Due to these drawbacks, it may make more sense for you to use a bail bondsman. It is important that you discuss your case with a San Marcos criminal defense lawyer to discern what option makes the most sense for you.
How Can an Attorney Help with Acquiring a PR Bond?
San Marcos is no stranger to crime. In 2022, San Marcos had nearly 400 fentanyl-laced pills taken off its streets. The attorneys at Mendoza Law Firm have experience representing those arrested for drug crimes and other serious offenses, and we are here to help.
If you are in the process of getting a PR bond, a criminal defense lawyer can help to highlight your positive traits in order to get you released ‘on your own recognizance’ with a judge. An experienced lawyer may be able to help move the process along so that you don’t have to wait so long to be released.
A criminal defense lawyer will be able to help negotiate the terms of your PR bond and help you understand what is required of you to remain in good standing with the court.
A San Marcos Criminal Defense Lawyer Working for You
Nobody wants to stay in jail longer than is necessary or pay an expensive amount to get released. While a PR bond may seem like a good option, it does come with drawbacks that should be carefully considered.
If you have been arrested for a crime, you need the help of the Mendoza Law Firm. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Source: https://t-tees.com
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