The new year is about fresh starts. As the previous year comes to a close, we make resolutions to ourselves to do better in the new year whether it’s losing weight, quitting bad habits, exercising more, or simply spending more time with those we love. It’s all about making positive changes to make life better. New Year’s resolutions are often left behind as the year goes on but with any luck, some of the good habits stick.
If you’ve recently been arrested and released on bail, there’s no better time to take positive steps to improve your situation in life than right now. Everyone makes mistakes but the most important thing is that you learn from them so you can avoid them next time. Going back to jail is the last thing you want to happen and usually, keeping that from happening is within your control.
Keep Your Job
Even if you suspect that you’ll be going to prison at the end of your trial, keep doing your job or if you don’t have one, get one. If you have a family, they’ll need your help or you may have legal fees and fines that will need to be paid. Having a job is also a good way to show the judge or jury that you are a gainfully employed member of society.
Stay Out of Trouble
As a condition of your bail, you are usually required to avoid hanging out with criminals. Starting a new life means moving in a positive direction which means surrounding yourself with people who will support that not ones who will only drag you down into their criminal activities which will most likely land you back in jail.
Staying out of trouble also means avoiding the activities that get you into trouble like drugs or alcohol. If you have a problem with substance abuse, get help. Sometimes, enrolling in a substance abuse program is a condition of bail but even if it’s not, if it’s something you struggle with, it’s important to get control of it and of your life. Aside from showing the court that you’re dedicating to changing your life for the better, it will change your life for the better.
Get Organized
Make sure that you know when you have scheduled court appearances and have a way to get the courthouse on time. Check the time and location the day before your scheduled appearance in case the time or venue has been changed at the last minute and you didn’t receive a notification.
If there’s a chance you’ll be going to prison after your trial, make a detailed plan for all aspects of your life such as family, apartment, pets, job, etc. as well as for when you get out so you can hit the road in a positive, forward direction.
Being arrested isn’t the end of the world. It happens to a lot of people. But it doesn’t have to define your life. You can put your past arrest behind you and make a life for yourself that you can be proud of.
At Mercy, we’re the first step on improving your life by getting you out of jail and back home to your family and/or your job. If you’ve been arrested, call Mercy Bail Bonds at (727)856-7775 and talk with one of our dedicated staff who can get you released from jail quickly. We’re open 24/7 and we always answer.