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Bail hearing tomorrow: a family's checklist
If the hearing is tomorrow, tonight is for three things: a surety, the papers, and the lawyer's office.
Tonight
- Pick a surety. Get their full name, relationship, address, whether they own a home or work, and any record.
- Photograph every paper the police gave you or the person.
- Write down: the charge as you understand it, where they are being held, the hearing time if known.
- Decide where the person will live if released. The surety's home is often the answer.
- Get the office on the phone.
Morning of
- Surety brings photo ID, proof of address, proof of income or home if available.
- Arrive before court opens. Phones off inside.
- Do not talk to the complainant or witnesses, in person or online.
After
- If released: read every condition together. Keep a copy on your phone.
- If detained: ask the office about a review.
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