If you are arrested and charged with a crime, oftentimes the court will allow you to post bail and be released from jail until the date of your trial. However, since you’ve been charged with a crime, the court may require you to follow certain conditions of release in order to stay free ahead of trial. If you violate the terms of your conditional release, you can be taken into custody and forced to remain in jail until trial.
The conditions put forth in your release package tend to be in line with the severity of the crime, but sometimes judges want to set an example and overstep with unreasonable conditions. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at some of the common conditions of release that are imposed in Minnesota, and why it’s helpful to have a lawyer by your side to ensure you secure a fair conditional release ahead of trial.
Common Conditions Of Release
Depending on the nature of your crime and its severity, you may have to follow a few different conditions of release. Here’s a look at some of the most common conditions of release that are imposed on criminal offenders in Minnesota:
- No alcohol use
- No drug use
- Mandatory appearance at all future court dates
- Random chemical or substance testing
- Travel limitations
- No contact with certain individuals
- Electronic home monitoring
- Removal of the right to possess firearms of weapons
- Staying away from bars or places that serve alcohol
Some of the above conditions may not seem like a big deal, especially because people often want to keep a low profile following an arrest, but that doesn’t mean you should just let the judge impose whatever conditions they want on you. If you are arrested for driving under the influence, there’s no reason why a judge should ban you from owning a hunting rifle, but it happens time and time again. Speak to a lawyer and make sure they work to get you a fair conditional release.
How A Lawyer Can Help
When securing your release from jail, your lawyer will be able to argue why the judge should go easy on your conditions of release. They may even be for certain conditions like alcohol counseling, because lawyers know that a condition like that can actually be helpful in establishing that a person is working to put their mistake behind them. Problems occur when conditions that make life difficult and do not serve a purpose in the scope of the current case are put forth by a judge.
That’s why it’s so important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after you’ve been arrested. You’re not just leaning on their professional help during trial, they’ll also ensure that you won’t have unjust release conditions placed on you. We’ve helped countless clients avoid forfeiting their gun rights or have more freedom to drive or travel so long as they meet other necessary conditions. To connect with someone who can ensure you aren’t overly punished with your release conditions, or to talk to a lawyer about your defense options, reach out to Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm today at (952) 224-2277.
