Getting arrested on suspicion of a crime is a hugely damaging experience for anybody. However, it can be particularly traumatic for members of the LGBTQIA community. So, if a loved one has been booked at a local jail, helping them post bail is one of the best ways to help them.
Alternatively, if you are a member of this community and find yourself in custody, here’s why posting bail is vital.
#1. Posting Bail Saves You From The Trauma Of Custody
If you fail to post bail, you will need to remain in custody until your trial date. While time frames can vary between locations, this often means spending 30-60 days behind bars. Incarceration is traumatic for anyone but has the potential to be even more challenging for LGBT members.
LGBTQIA rights have improved over the years, but the community still faces a lot of hate. The harsh reality is that inmates may discriminate against LGBT members. Thankfully, a bail bondsman can save defendants from this situation. That’s because they can post bail in hours.
This allows defendants to regain their freedom before they ever have to spend a night in a cell or time with inmates. Crucially, bondsmen only charge 10% (sometimes less) of the total bail fee and offer repayment plans. So, even a lack of cash needn’t prevent your release.
#2. Posting Bail Gives You Time To Prepare Your Case
Avoiding the traumatic experience of up to 60 days in custody awaiting trial is one thing. However, it only prolongs the trauma if you are subsequently convicted and hit with a jail sentence. You need a chance to prepare your defense, and it’ll be easier when out on bail.
Once you are free to leave custody, you can find an attorney to help prepare your case. From proving your innocence to highlighting mitigating circumstances, they’ll work to the full extent of the law. Whether pleading not guilty or seeking a reduced charge, the impact is huge.
When posting bail through an experienced bondsman, you’ll also find that they can point you in the direction of a reputable attorney. On a side note, trial dates can be put back if you’re not in custody. So, that means you have more time to build your case.
#3. A Quick Release Allows You To Resume Daily Life
Posting bail doesn’t only save you from traumatic experiences. It also allows you to resume daily life with immediate results. This allows you to maintain employment and continue to support your family. You’ll also avoid falling behind on various life commitments.
The terms of bail may place some restrictions on you. For example, you may not be allowed to leave your State. Likewise, you will be expected to attend court hearings. Nonetheless, these rules needn’t take much of a toll on your life between now and the trial date.
Posting bail, either personally or through a bondsman, enables you to get back to normal life within hours. This supports your physical and emotional wellness. It can be very important for LGBT members who may already face testing lifestyle situations at this time.
#4. A Quick Release Supports Your Financial Situation
Spending time behind bars doesn’t only stop you from living a normal life. It significantly harms your financial health too. After all, you can’t continue to work while bills and other expenses continue to leave your bank account. It could take months to repair the damage.
It is also accepted that LGBTQIA members often find it harder to gain employment despite equality laws. So, even if found innocent at trial, the time spent in jail could have a lasting impact on your career. A quick release from jail is the only solution.
Bail bonds usually equate to somewhere between $500 and $5,000 depending on the criminal charge. This is nothing compared to the losses you’d encounter as a result of time in jail. When coupled with repayment plans to spread the costs, it is the financially superior choice.
#5. Spending Time In Custody Would Harm Your Reputation
The verdict of your trial is not directly influenced by whether you post bail or stay in custody. Even if you are found innocent, though, the fact is that some people will still judge you for this situation. Sadly, this is true for all defendants, whether an LGBT member or not.
Reputational damage may impact your career, love life, friendships, and more. Sadly, those negative impacts can even start to influence your sense of self-worth. Even when innocent, the fact is you may be treated by many people as if you were a criminal.
Posting bail is quick and confidential. By using a bondsman, you do not even have to call a loved one for help. The ability to retain your privacy at this difficult time can truly make all the difference to your state of mind at this time. Frankly, it is the least you deserve.
#6. It Puts The Minds Of Loved Ones At Ease
Time spent in custody is very hard for the defendant. Especially if faced with potential discrimination over their sexuality. However, it should also be noted that loved ones will experience a lot of emotional trauma. It’s impossible for them not to worry.
After all, they will be fully aware of the potential discrimination that an LGBT member may experience in prison. Posting bail saves them from the emotional torment while also keeping the defendant out of potential harm. This should be a huge incentive for posting bail.
Similarly, it can provide an extra layer of convenience for loved ones. They won’t have to arrange travel or lose time due to scheduled visiting times. When they additionally provide support in preparing the defendant’s case, relatives can feel more useful.
#7. Avoid The Risk Of Manipulation
The whole process of being accused of a crime is scary and daunting. When combined with the stress of being in custody, even defendants with strong mindsets can break. Sadly, this could leave you vulnerable to potential manipulation, which results in an outcome you’d rather avoid.
Defendants can feel desperate, especially after a few days in custody. Prosecutors can make offers and put pressure on you to plead guilty just to get out. Even if it means getting a smaller sentence, bowing to the pressure will bring huge consequences.
Posting bail allows you to escape those threats. Instead, you can focus on making your plea based on the advice of your attorney and the facts of the case. A calculated approach will always deliver better results than emotional decisions under pressure.
#8. Gain A Chance To Show Your Character & Cooperation
When accepting bail, it’s not simply a case of handing over some money. You must also agree to the conditions. As already stated, this includes attending court hearings and staying within the State borders. There could be other conditions like staying away from certain people.
This is a chance for you to show law enforcement teams that you will cooperate. Likewise, avoiding further legal issues while out on bail sets a positive impact. It doesn’t directly impact your case, but it does at least help show you in a better light.
Even if found guilty, the proof that you are not a threat to the community can work in your favor. Conversely, time spent behind bars may influence your personality. Not least if you are mistreated by inmates and law enforcement teams. Bail helps you remain you.
#9. You’ll Be Standing Up For Your Rights
You may be confident that the trial will prove your innocence. In this case, you may be tempted to swallow the 30 days of custody. But why should you be wrongly forced to give up your freedom? If nothing else, it goes against the notion that you’re innocent until proven guilty.
As a member of the LGBT community, you have probably faced challenges in many aspects of your life. Therefore, learning to stand up for yourself and fight for your rights is essential. Aside from the direct repercussions of custody, it is a process that represents so much more.
Losing out on your freedom after being accused of a crime can never be a good thing. Posting bail shows that you will respond quickly and take action. By displaying that you will be prepared to complete the right steps, it becomes clear that you won’t be a pushover too.
#10. It Reduces Your Risk Of Repeat Jail Time
Right now, the decision to post bail is primarily made due to the immediate benefits. In truth, though, the incentives are not limited to the short-term future. It can provide a platform for a better long-term future. Financially, mentally, and legally. Do not ignore it.
It has been shown that previously incarcerated trans women may fall into a cycle of jail time. So, while all individuals with criminal records are at risk, the dangers may be larger for LGBT members. Prevention is the best way to stop yourself from falling into the dangerous cycle.
If posting bail can keep you out of jail and allow you to build a better case, it has to be worthwhile. It is something that you will continue to thank yourself for in the years to come. Best of all, it’ll allow you to draw a line under this situation and get back to enjoying life to the fullest.
