New Year’s Eve may be one of the biggest party nights of the year. However, if you get a little too wild, you could find yourself behind bars when the clock strikes midnight.
Getting arrested is an experience that nobody wants to have. It can ruin your night and cause long-term consequences that ripple and ruin your entire new year. Being taken into custody means you could face criminal charges for months or even years after the event happened.
Let’s take a closer look at how a New Years’ arrest could negatively impact your 2023.
Longer Jail Time and Other Legal Consequences
Depending on why you were arrested, you may face long-term jail time even if you get out temporarily on a Dallas bail bond.
Aside from jail time, you could also face fines and probation that impact your quality of life.
Tainted Reputation
Even if your legal woes don’t end in a conviction or jail time, just being arrested can damage your reputation and make it difficult to find employment or housing in the future.
Remember, even if your case gets dismissed, there will always be a record of your arrest and a record of your hearings. So, if you planned on spending the new year in a new job or home, getting arrested now could put a damper on your big moves.
Strained Finances
We’ve already discussed the possibility of paying fines if you’re convicted of a crime. However, an arrest comes with several financial burdens that can impact your wallet for quite some time.
In addition to legal ramifications, getting arrested has financial consequences, such as court fees and bail payments, which can strain finances during an enjoyable holiday season.
Family Stress
When an individual is arrested, the repercussions of this event can extend far beyond just the accused. An arrest can have a dramatic and lasting effect on your family, upending their lives in ways they could never have predicted.
Getting arrested can tarnish your relationship with spouses, children, and parents. Make sure your New Years’ celebrations don’t cause a familial rift you can’t repair.
Job Loss
An arrest can have a significant impact on your job and career prospects. Depending on the nature of the offense, employers may decide to terminate employment or even deny an application for a position. Sometimes, an employer may choose not to hire someone with any criminal record, regardless of the minor crime.
How to Protect Yourself From the Consequences of an Arrest
No one wants to face the consequences of an arrest, but it can happen to anyone. The best way to protect yourself from the potential damage caused by a criminal conviction is to be proactive and take steps before any charges are filed.
Taking measures such as consulting with an experienced criminal defense attorney and understanding your rights will give you a better chance of avoiding legal problems in the future.
Additionally, researching employers’ policies on hiring people with criminal records can help ensure that you don’t miss out on job opportunities due to past mistakes. With some thoughtful planning and guidance, it is possible for those who have been arrested or convicted of a crime to minimize their exposure and limit the impact of their actions on their lives.
Been Arrested in Dallas? 1st Call Bail Bonds Can Help
If you or a loved one have been arrested in the New Year, make sure you obtain a Dallas bail bond prior to making any other legal moves.
A bail bond can help you get out of jail fast and ensure you have the time and freedom to meet with a criminal defense lawyer and build your case.
Our Dallas office is open 24/7 and will pay bail amounts of any cost.
Contact us today to start the bail bond application process.