Being arrested is stressful. But what you do after your arrest is just as important as what happened before.
At James & Bradley Law Firm, we’ve helped hundreds of clients across St. Tammany, Washington, Tangipahoa, and Livingston Parish successfully navigate criminal charges. And one of the biggest factors in how a case turns out? How you behave while the charges are still pending.
Whether you’re out on bond or awaiting trial, here’s what you need to know to stay on the court’s good side, and out of further legal trouble.
1.) Follow All Bond Conditions EXACTLY!
If you’ve bonded out of jail, the judge likely set conditions you have to follow. These might include:
- No drug or alcohol use
- Regular check-ins with a bondsman or pretrial officer
- No contact with alleged victims or co-defendants
- Restricted travel or curfews
Violating even one of these can land you back in jail, often without a new bond being offered. In St. Tammany Parish, judges take bond violations seriously, and so do those in Washington, Tangipahoa, and Livingston Parish.
At James & Bradley Law Firm, we help clients understand every condition of their release and stay compliant from day one.
2.) Avoid New Arrests, Even for Minor Offenses!
You’d be surprised how many people pick up new charges while their original case is still pending.
Even something like a traffic-related offense, shoplifting, or simple possession charge can:
- Trigger a bond revocation
- Hurt your credibility in front of the judge
- Result in stacked sentencing or harsher plea terms
The message from the court is simple: If you can’t stay out of trouble while you’re being watched, you’re not helping your case.
3.) Stay Off Social Media
Yes, really. Posts, messages, and even memes can be used against you. We’ve seen everything from Instagram stories to Facebook comments show up in court.
While your charges are pending:
- Don’t talk about your case online
- Don’t post anything reckless or offensive
- Don’t message alleged victims or co-defendants
4.) Keep a Low Profile, and Keep Working If You Can
Judges are more likely to show leniency to defendants who:
- Stay employed
- Support their families
- Maintain good community standing
- Attend church or participate in recovery programs
If you’re in Livingston Parish and we can walk into court showing you’ve been working full-time and staying clean, that makes a difference. If you’ve spent six months couch-hopping and missing appointments, that makes a difference too, but not in a good way.
5.) Comply with Any Court Orders, FAST
If the court tells you to do something, do it, and do it on time. That includes:
- Attending drug or alcohol evaluations
- Completing anger management or parenting classes
- Submitting to random drug tests
- Showing up to every court appearance, early
Missing a deadline, even by a few days, can give the prosecution ammo to claim you’re not taking the case seriously. In Washington Parish, for instance, a missed class can be enough to pull you from diversion and send your case back to full prosecution.
6.) Keep Communication Open with Your Attorney
You don’t have to navigate this alone. If something comes up, an issue with transportation, a surprise drug test, or confusion about your court date, call your lawyer. At James & Bradley Law Firm, we work closely with our clients across southeast Louisiana to keep things on track and avoid preventable mistakes. The earlier we know about a problem, the better chance we have of fixing it without it blowing up your case.
Why It All Matters
Remember, how you behave while your charges are pending can influence how your case is resolved. Judges and prosecutors watch what you do, not just what you say.
Your goal during this time is simple: prove you’re not a risk to the community and that you’re taking the process seriously.
The better you do that, the better your shot at:
- Diversion programs
- Probation instead of jail
- Dismissal or reduced charges
- Keeping your record clean
Facing Charges in Southeast Louisiana? Let Us Help You Do This Right.
If you’re facing criminal charges in St. Tammany, Washington, Tangipahoa, or Livingston Parish, what you do next could shape your entire future.
Call James & Bradley Law Firm at 985-276-4740 or Contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation. We’ll help you build the strongest defense and keep you out of unnecessary trouble while your case is pending.