Avoiding Violation of Pretrial Release in Pinellas County

For individuals who are facing criminal charges, being granted pretrial release can be a huge step toward freedom before your trial takes place. But individuals on pretrial release in Florida must be extremely cautious, because violating any of their conditions can lead to serious consequences. 

If you are in the process of a pretrial release, set yourself up for success by consulting with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Clearwater with The Law Office of Marc N. Pelletier.

Phone Call Monitoring and “No Contact” Orders

Many jails in Florida use advanced computer programs to screen outgoing phone calls made by inmates. These programs monitor calls for specific information, including phone numbers being contacted and content being shared. If an inmate is under a court-ordered “no contact” restriction with a specific person, the system will flag any outgoing calls made to that person’s number.

If a match is detected by the system, it will alert authorities, and the individual may have a warrant issued for their arrest alleging  a violation of their pretrial release. This violation can drastically complicate an already difficult case and in the case of domestic violence related offenses even lead to a new criminal charge.

Impact of Violating Pretrial Release

Violating the terms of pretrial release can potentially result in serious repercussions, including:

Bail Revocation

The most immediate consequence of a violation is the revocation of bail. If your pretrial release is revoked, you may be taken back into custody without the ability to post bond, pending a resolution in the case.

Damage to Your Case

Violating pretrial release conditions can damage your credibility and weaken your defense in court. Judges may view any violations as evidence of intentional disregard for the law, which can make it more challenging when you and your Clearwater defense attorney are working toward a favorable outcome.

Increased Difficulty in Future Court Proceedings:

A pretrial violation can complicate future court hearings and any plea negotiations. Prosecutors may be less inclined to offer the violator leniency, and judges may impose harsher penalties or a higher bond for any future charges or violations.

Protecting Yourself from Violating Pretrial Release Conditions

To avoid the serious consequences of violating pretrial release, you should be made aware of all the conditions set by the court. These conditions can vary, but they often include restrictions on contact with certain individuals or the use of specific forms of communication. Some good strategies to keep in mind include:

• Avoid all contact with the victim or any witnesses
• Be careful and mindful when making any phone calls
• Avoid speaking with anyone other than your attorney about your case
• Consult your attorney if you have any questions or need advice regarding your case

   

Avoid Committing a Violation of Pretrial Release With Guidance from an Expert Attorney

If you or someone you know is facing potential violations of pretrial release, the leading criminal defense attorneys in Clearwater with The Law Office of Marc N. Pelletier can provide the guidance and support you need to deal with a warrant and to bring the case to resolution. We are committed to protecting your rights and helping you throughout your case.

If you would like to speak with a trusted Clearwater defense attorney with The Law Office of Marc N. Pelletier, you can request a free case consultation with one of our leading attorneys or call today at (727) 493-9386.