Not everyone who is arrested has charges filed against them right away. In some cases, the accused will be released from jail with charges pending. The outcome could go any number of different ways with a risk of potential charge. While waiting to see what or if charges will be filed, the period of uncertainty can be stressful, but it can also be used as a time to prepare for bail bonds. Use this as a guide to help you make the most of your time and plan ahead for the bail bonds process.
What is a Pending Criminal Charge?
There are several factors that can influence the need for pending criminal charges. What it means is that no criminal charges have been officially filed, and the prosecutor is still reviewing the suspect’s case. Possible reasons could include:
- Determining whether to file charges as is
- Additional charges could be added
- The charges could be reduced
- The charges could be dismissed
Generally, the prosecutor needs more time to review or collect additional evidence or they could be waiting on results from a crime lab. Sometimes it’s due to a backlog in the district attorney’s office, and the paperwork can’t be processed quickly enough. The time limit the government has to file charges depends on the alleged crime.
A Bail Bondsman Can Help When Charges Haven’t Been Filed Yet
If you’ve been released from jail with pending charges, you should contact a bail bonds agent as soon as possible so that in the event charges are filed, you can minimize the amount of time spent in jail waiting for the bonds process to take place. The bail bond process will be less stressful than it would have been if charges were filed in conjunction with the arrest and you and your loved ones are scrambling to get the bail process taken care of. You will be able to do things like:
- Find a cosigner for the bail bond
- Complete the necessary paperwork with the bail bondsman
- Continue working
- Take part in family commitments
It might not feel like it, but a release with pending charges can be a good thing for the accused and their family.
What You Should and Shouldn’t Do If You Have Been Released from Jail with Charges Pending
It goes without saying that if you are awaiting criminal charges, it’s in your best interest to stay out of further trouble.
Do
- Cooperate with law enforcement as they are determining how to proceed
- Continue going to work every day
- Stay in touch with your bail bondsman
Don’t
- Have contact with anyone remotely involved in the alleged crime
- Take part in any illegal activities
- Don’t make any large purchases like a vehicle or a home
- Disappear
It’s important to take advantage of your time to make the process less stressful for you and your family. If you’ve been arrested in Texas and are looking for a reliable, professional bail bond company in the San Antonio area, River City Bail Bonds is here for you. Our experienced, family-owned, and operated bondsmen are here to answer your questions, address concerns, and walk you through the bail and release process. Find an office in your area and give us a call.
