Out On Bail: Now What?
Posted on: 19 May 2017
Getting arrested may be one of the worst things to ever happen in your life. Your recent days might have all been a whirlwind of handcuffs, questioning, and holding facilities. Once bail is granted, you may find yourself with some time to think and prepare for court with your attorney. Ensure that you're also doing the following.
Avoiding Certain People
Your friends may be the people you want to be with most once you've gotten released on bail. However, if any of them were related in even the smallest way to your arrest, it is best to not go near them. Arguments and fights are possible and you don't want to be seen as attempting to convince people to lie for you.
Not only should you be consciously avoiding troublemakers, it is vital that you steer clear of any friends or family members that want to heap disgust and anger upon you for what you've done. You may find yourself arguing with them regularly and that is only likely to make you feel worse; you may want to start drinking or engaging in other bad behavior to feel better, and that could cause more unwanted trouble. Instead, spend a lot of time with those who wholeheartedly support you. Also be sure to listen to the advice of your attorney if he or she specifically mentions people you should not be seen with.
Taking "Time Off"
Even if you've been arrested for a crime that is incredibly serious, for your own health it's wise to take a mental break every now and then. Take a walk in the park or spend a few hours playing with your dog. Watch a favorite old film or see a popular new one. Your legal problems will still be there later, but taking a break can give you a new or different perspective when you take on the burden again.
Getting Therapy
A smart way to deal with this time before court is to start going to therapy sessions with a psychologist or another mental health professional. They can help you talk through your various feelings regarding the legal situation and what caused it, but perhaps even more importantly, they can offer concrete techniques for remaining as calm as possible and help you handle any news from your lawyer as the days pass.
If you have trouble with illegal substances, counseling might be even more important. Being able to present yourself in court after voluntarily putting yourself into an alcohol or drug program could be helpful and demonstrate your willingness to change for the better.
With these suggestions, your time can be spent effectively and without more trouble. Meet with your attorney as regularly as you can and jot down notes in between sessions; this will ensure that you're well-prepared and understand what is happening on any given day.
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