Failing to post bond has several consequences: Extended Jail Time: You remain in custody until your court date, ranging from weeks to months. Court Appearances: Regular court appearances are required.
Most bond agreements include travel restrictions, confining you to a specific geographic area such as your county or state. These limitations are designed to ensure your availability for court dates. If travel is necessary, you must seek prior approval from the court or your bail bondsman.
Article I, section 7 says: “All persons before conviction shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for capital offenses when the proof is evident or the presumption great.” Minnesota no longer has the death penalty, so all defendants have a right to have bail set.
The defendant can post their own bail or ask a family member or friend to post it. If the defendant uses a bond company, the company may require the defendant to have a co-signer (someone who will help the company find the defendant should they fail to appear).
Common Bond Conditions: The Essentials to Know Mandatory Court Appearances. One of the primary conditions of being out on bond is attending all scheduled court appearances. Travel Restrictions. Maintaining a Law-Abiding Lifestyle. No Contact with Certain Individuals. Compliance with Substance Abuse Testing.
Judges consider 13 specific factors when choosing conditions of release. Those conditions include the nature of the crime charged, the person's ties to the community, the person's financial resources, and the safety of others.