LIFE AFTER A BOND RELEASE Staying Free While Your Case Proceeds
Being arrested in Texas is stressful enough on its own. On top of that, once you bond out, you are often handed a list of rules that can feel confusing or overwhelming. Those are your bond conditions, and they matter. Following them closely can keep you out of more trouble and protect your case as it moves through the system. Bond is what allows you to stay out of jail while your case is pending. The court can release you on a surety bond, cash bond, or, in some cases, a personal bond, but almost every release comes with conditions. Those typically include showing up for every court date, staying in touch with your attorney, and notifying the court if your address or phone number changes. Many people overlook that last one, but it is important because the court needs a way to reach you.
Depending on the charge, judges can also add very specific rules. In a DWI case, that might mean an ignition interlock device, no alcohol, or no going to bars. In an assault case, there may be a no- contact order. Drug cases often involve testing, treatment, or a requirement to stay away from certain people or places. In some situations, you can also be ordered to check in with a pretrial services officer, follow a curfew, or wear a GPS monitor. Violating any of your bond conditions can worsen your situation in a hurry. A judge can revoke your bond, put out a warrant for your arrest, and order you back into custody until your case is resolved. It can also affect a prosecutor’s willingness to negotiate a plea deal and make things worse for you overall. The best thing to do is treat bond conditions as a non-negotiable part of life while your case is open and simply do what you’ve been asked to do. If you are confused about a condition or feel something is unreasonable, talk with an attorney. Your lawyer may be able to ask the court to fine-tune or change certain things in the right circumstances. But you should follow the order until that happens. Sticking to your bond conditions keeps you at home, working, and gives your defense team a better chance to achieve a good result for your case.
Spinach Artichoke Pizza This deep-dish pizza recipe is fancy and easy to make, delivering all the flavor of a cheesy spinach-artichoke dip in a baked-pizza form!
Ingredients • 1 loaf frozen bread dough • 2 tbsp garlic herb spreadable cheese • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese • 7 oz artichoke hearts, chopped • Several handfuls of fresh spinach • Pepper, to taste
Directions 1. Thaw dough according to package directions and let it rise for 2 hours. 2. Preheat oven to 450 F. 3. Coat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with non-stick spray, then gently stretch dough to fit. 4. Spread garlic herb cheese evenly across the entire dough layer. 5. Sprinkle mozzarella and Gruyere cheeses evenly over dough, reserving a small amount of each. 6. For the topping, scatter chopped artichoke hearts, followed by a layer of torn spinach leaves, and then the reserved cheeses. Add black pepper to taste. 7. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and crisp.
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