If you've been released on bail, you need to protect your release. You might not realize it, but a bail bond is a legal contract between you, the court, and your bail bond agent. If you fail to honor the contract, you can put your bond release at risk. If you're not sure how to protect your bail bond, read the list below. Here are four tips to help you avoid problems with the bail bond agency and the court. 

Understand the Terms and Conditions

When it comes to getting a bail bond release, you need to understand what you're signing. You'll be given a list of terms and conditions when you get your bail bond. That list tells you everything you need to know about your bail bond. That includes your fees and payment schedules. The terms and conditions will also include a list of things you're not allowed to do while out on bail. Those restrictions could include not leaving town, or not contacting the victim. Your terms and conditions could also include things like drug and alcohol testing. Make sure you read the terms and conditions right away. Then, refer back to the terms and conditions to make sure you avoid problems.  

Maintain Honest Communication

If you've been released on a bail bond, maintain honest communication with your bail bond agent and with the court. If you're caught giving false or misleading information, you could lose your bail bond. If that happens, you'll be sent back to jail until your court case is completed. You should talk to your bail bond agent whenever circumstances change. That can include a change in jobs or a change in housing arrangements. This ensures that the court and bail bond agent know where you are. 

Avoid Making Late Payments

If you were given installment payments for your bail bond, keep up on those payments. Paying your bail bond payments on time is part of the requirements for your release. If you fall behind on payments, you could end up paying penalties and fines. You could also get your bail revoked. Avoid that risk. Make all your bail bond payments on time. If you run into financial problems, talk to your bail bond agent right away. They may be able to modify your payment arrangements. 

Organize Your Documents

If you're out on bail, now's the time to document your release. If you're pulled over, you'll need to prove that you're out on bail. You might also need to prove that you're following the terms of your release. To avoid complications, carry copies of your bail documents with you. It's also a good idea to keep copies of receipts for the payments you make. 

For more information on bail bonds, contact a bondsman near you.