Baltimore Domestic Violence Pre-trial Release

When someone is first arrested, they are booked, taken in and processed before seeing a commissioner. At the commissioner phase, an individual has a right to have counsel present. An experienced family violence attorney can argue for the person’s release at this phase or the next business day in front of a judge at a bail review.

What Does a Bail Review Entail?

Two factors are considered in someone’s bail review for potential release. The court will first consider whether the person is a flight risk and whether they are a danger to the community or the accuser.

An attorney can advocate for the person as to why they are not a flight risk and why they are not a danger by identifying failsafe options. It is better to have counsel at the beginning of one’s case to reap the benefits of their experienced legal advice.

The commissioner phase usually takes place immediately. However, if the person cannot get an attorney right away who can advocate for Baltimore domestic violence pre-trial release, they should expect a bail review in front of a judge the following business next day.

Common Conditions of Domestic Violence Pre-Trial Release

If someone is found guilty on probation, there can be conditions associated with their Baltimore domestic violence pre-trial release. As a pre-trial condition,they could be prevented from returning to the marital home or a property that both parties share.

The defendant can be prevented from having any contact with the victim during the course of the proceeding. The person may be required to undergo counseling, treatment, and regular reporting to pre-trial services while the case is pending.

What Is a No-Contact Order?

A no-contact order means absolutely no contact between the parties. No communication is defined as no speaking in person, via phone, text, social media, or communication through third parties. If the person has a friend deliver a message, that is also a violation of provision and could revoke the person’s release.

They could sit in jail until the date of court if they violate the conditions of a Baltimore domestic violence pre-trial release. One exception is that they can be present in court together. An attorney can contact an accuser for limited purposes of communication, which is also why an attorney can be helpful.

Special Circumstances of No-Contact

A family member or friend can contact the person for their own purposes. There are no restrictions there. The family member or friend cannot contact the victim on behalf of the person accused of domestic violence. If a person fails to abide by a no-contact order, the judge can revoke their release and have them held until the date of court in jail.

Consequences of Violating Protective Orders

When a person contacts the other party involved in a domestic violence charge when there is a no-contact order in place, they can lose their release or be sent to jail. There can be additional charges of witness intimidation and tampering if the contact is contentious. Therefore, discuss the conditions of your Baltimore domestic violence pre-trial release with an attorney if you can.