Getting out of jail isn’t the finish line — it’s the reset point.
What you do in the first 30 days of pretrial freedom can shape the entire outcome of your case.
Here’s what most people never get told:
1. Court is a marathon, not a sprint
Your case may take months. Sometimes years. The goal is stability and consistency. Be sure to show up when you’re supposed to.
2. Weekly check-ins aren’t punishment
They protect you. They create a documented trail that shows the court you’re reliable and invested in the process. If your lawyer would like, we can generate an affidavit that you have been complying with your bond terms (as long as you actually HAVE been complying!)
3. Get a lawyer — even a court-appointed one
An attorney can prevent disasters long before they happen. Even a court appointed lawyer will do essential things like request discovery.
4. Don’t pick up new charges
I know this sounds obvious. But you’d be shocked how many people sabotage themselves with bad friendships, bad environments, or bad coping skills. Under a newer NC law, if you’re out on bond, new charges can leave you hung up in jail for 48 hours or even under an involuntary commitment for mental health assessment.
5. Be sure to follow any court orders to the letter
If you have a domestic violence no contact order or an order not to contact an alleged victim, that means just that. Do not, under any circumstances, contact them. If the alleged victim attempts to contact you, do not answer the door – the phone – the DM – the text – just don’t do it. If someone tries to contact you on their behalf, shut the conversation down immediately. If they persist, document the activity and go to your sheriff’s office for help. If you have any other court orders, like “do not go on Walmart property” or “submit to drug testing” or “wear a GPS ankle monitor” or “curfew is 8pm” – do that. And by the way, curfew at 8pm means that if you’re not inside at 8:01, you can go to jail. Don’t play with fire.
6. Communicate with us
We are your support team. If you’re struggling with transportation, addiction, childcare, housing insecurity, or confusion about court — tell us. We can often help or guide you. We care far, far beyond just making money for getting you out of jail.
7. Be sure to update your address if you move
By law, you have to tell us BEFORE you move that you’re moving. We do make exceptions for emergency situations like domestic violence or a fire. But if you move and don’t tell us at all, you’re going to be fast-tracked for bond revocation and nobody wants that! Be sure to ALSO inform the courts that you’ve moved, in every county where you have an active case. Call the Clerk of Court for their procedure – it can differ from county to county.
Pretrial freedom is precious. Protect it.
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