If you are like most people, your only experience with jail was when you were sent directly to jail while playing a game of Monopoly with family or friends. While this was an uncomfortable experience that deflated your enjoyment of playing the game for a while, it was short-lived. Life went on without missing a beat after you got out of jail. Unfortunately, this did not prepare you for the real-life experience of actually being arrested and going to jail. These are some of the things that you may experience after a stint in jail that could be rather unexpected.
You Need to Post Bail
When you play Monopoly, you can pay a small fee to immediately get out of jail, or you can hope to roll doubles over your next three turns. In real life, you will need to post bail, and bail can be established at a very high and unaffordable amount. Court appearance bail bonds are available, but you usually need to place an asset as collateral. If you do not have a sufficient asset, you may have to sit in jail until you have your day in court. Not being able to leave could cost you your job and severely hinder your ability to prepare yourself for court proceedings.
There May Be Serious and Immediate Ramifications
While life goes on without much stress after an arrest for some very minor charges, other people find that the effects are serious and immediate. For example, being arrested on some charges may mean that your children are immediately removed from the home. Perhaps you had to stay in jail for a lengthy period of time before posting bail, and you were fired from your job in the process. Again, not being able to leave can be a serious problem.
There Is a Harsh Social Stigma
For many people, the stigma associated with being arrested can be harsh, and this may be even more difficult to bear if you are convicted of the charges and must spend time in prison. You may find it difficult to make or keep friends. Even if you do not tell people about your charges, many people will continue to tell your story behind your back to perpetuate the experience.
The Impact May Be Lifelong
When you apply for a job, try to rent a new home or attempt to tackle other necessary tasks, your conviction may crop up for the rest of your life. Convicted felons and even those convicted of serious misdemeanors may find it difficult to get a job. Many landlords will also turn down applications for housing because of a conviction. In most cases, employers and landlords are within their rights to refuse you a job or home, which can leave you with limited choices. There are some government programs that offer assistance to you or offer incentives to companies that hire ex-convicts, but those, too, have their limits.
As you can see, the experience of being arrested can have serious impacts on your life. The effects are much more significant if you are convicted of the charges. The best idea is to walk a straight line and avoid going to jail. If you are arrested, consider hiring a skilled defense attorney to potentially achieve a better outcome.
