Domestic arrests are some of the most emotional cases families deal with. Often the person arrested and the alleged victim live in the same home, share children, or are married. That makes the conditions that come with the bond especially important, and especially confusing.
This post explains, in general terms, what families should know about bond conditions and no-contact orders after a domestic arrest in Wichita. Every case is different, and the exact rules come from the court.
What Is a Bond Condition?
When a judge allows someone to be released on bond, the judge can attach conditions. These are rules the person must follow while the case is open. Common examples include going to every court date, not committing new crimes, and staying in contact with the bondsman. In domestic cases, courts often add conditions about contact with the alleged victim.
What Is a No-Contact Order?
A no-contact order is a condition that tells the defendant not to have contact with a certain person. Depending on how it is written, “contact” can include much more than being in the same room. It may include:
- Phone calls and text messages
- Social media messages, comments, or tags
- Sending messages through friends or family
- Going to the person’s home, work, or school
What if You Live Together?
This is one of the hardest parts. If there is a no-contact order and the defendant lives with the alleged victim, the defendant may not be allowed to go home. Families often need to plan ahead for where the defendant will stay after release, and how they will get personal items like clothes, medicine, or work gear. Ask the defendant’s attorney about the proper way to handle this.
What if the Alleged Victim Wants Contact?
Many people are surprised to learn that a no-contact order applies to the defendant even if the other person wants to talk or reach out. If the protected person calls or visits, the defendant can still be in violation. Only the court can change the order. If both people want the order changed, they should talk to an attorney about asking the court.
What Happens if a Condition Is Broken?
Breaking a bond condition can have serious results. The bond may be revoked, the defendant may be arrested again, and there may be new charges. Our post on bail bond revocation in Wichita explains more about how revoked bonds work.
Tips for Families
- Get a copy of the release conditions and read them closely.
- Plan a safe place for the defendant to stay if needed.
- Do not pass messages between the two people.
- Be careful with social media.
- Ask an attorney any time the rules are unclear.
We Handle Domestic Cases With Respect
Eastep Bail Bonds helps families through domestic cases with discretion and without judgment. Visit our page on domestic violence bail bonds in Wichita to learn more.
If you or someone you know is in danger, call 911.
Eastep Bail Bonds is a bail bond company. We are not attorneys and we do not give legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact Warrior Lawyers.
Call Eastep Bail Bonds 24/7 at (316) 391-3723.
