Most of the time, the answer is no. If you are on felony probation and get arrested for a new crime, chances are, at your first appearance, you may be granted a bond on the new charge. It may be a waste of money to bond out, if only days later you are going to be rearrested on a no bond probation violation hold. All too often, as a Lee County criminal defense lawyer, I interview people who have spent their last dime on a bail bond, only to be rearrested on a later no bond probation violation. Think twice about posting a bond before your talk to a lawyer.
When a person is arrested, they generally freak out and their number one priority is “get me out of here”. They call relatives and beg them to get in touch with a bondsman and “get me out”. If family funds are limited, think twice about spending all your money on a bondsman. If the bond is set really high, often a good lawyer can get it reduced at a bond reduction hearing. Sitting a few days and hiring a good lawyer may save you a ton of money. Often what you save on the bondsman may be enough to pay for the lawyer. Recently, I had a man call who had been arrested on a sex charge. The first appearance judge set the bond at $200,000, even though he had lived here for years, had a good job, and had never been arrested. He used every cent he had to bond out, and had to pay $20,000 in bond premium to the bondsman. When it came time to hire a lawyer, the person on whom his long term freedom depended, he was broke. He now has the Public Defender. Most lawyers do not charge for an initial free consultation. Before spending a bundle on the bondsman, think twice, and talk to a lawyer. The bond might be reduced.
Many people are now on probation as a result of the “Early Resolution Court”. They jumped at a plea and took the easy way out without talking to a private lawyer. Now they are looking at a probation violation and being rearrested with no bond. If you think your probation officer is going to violate you, call a private lawyer now. Do not wait until you are sitting in jail on a no bond hold. If you think a violation is in your future and you want to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer, we are available at 239 334 8890.