You met up with a friend for drinks after work. On the way home, you got pulled over for driving under the influence (DUI) and ended up getting arrested. Oftentimes, DUI offenders can be released from jail on bond. However, they are still required to follow other conditions of their release.
Conditions of bond
Under Illinois law, the court will impose the following conditions while your bond is in effect:
- You must appear in court on all appointed dates
- You must not break any criminal laws
- You must not leave the state without permission from the court
Based on your case, a judge could also impose additional conditions.
Is all out-of-state travel forbidden?
It is very important to understand – and abide by – the requirement to stay in the state of Illinois while your case is pending. Even making a quick trip across the border into Wisconsin to buy cigarettes could land you in jail until your case has concluded.
However, the court will often grant permission to leave the state for circumstances it deems reasonable. For instance, if you have to travel out of state as a requirement of your employment, or if you are a non-Illinois resident who got arrested in Illinois, then a judge would be likely to grant permission for you to leave the state. Your attorney can help you petition the court for this permission.
What if I have a family emergency?
If you had to leave the state due to a family emergency and failed to get permission from the court ahead of time, it’s important to discuss the situation with your lawyer. They may be able to petition the court to vacate the warrant against you – so that you can remain free until your case is closed.
It’s important to understand the terms of your bond – and not to violate them in any way. If you have questions or are seeking exceptions, your attorney can advise you on the best way to proceed.
