If you’ve been arrested in Minnesota and released on bail, you may wonder: “Am I allowed to travel?” With fall events, school breaks, or even hunting season around the corner, it’s tempting to head out of town. But before you pack your bags, it’s important to understand the rules of bail in Minnesota, because breaking them can land you right back behind bars. AAA Bail Bonds is here to answer your questions about traveling while on bail.
How Bail Works in Minnesota
When you’re released on bail in Minnesota, it’s not just about paying money and walking free. The court sets conditions of release to make sure you’ll show up to hearings. One of the most common conditions is travel restrictions. The court wants to know where you are and that you won’t skip town before trial.
Typical Minnesota Travel Restrictions on Bail
Every case is different, but here’s what you’re most likely to see if you’re out on bail in Minnesota:
- Stay Local: Many Minnesota courts restrict travel to the county or state where your charges are filed.
- Permission Slips for Travel: Some judges will allow travel, but only if you request and receive written approval first.
- Passport Turn-In: If your charges are serious, you may be required to surrender your passport to prevent leaving the country.
- Job Exceptions: If your job requires travel (think truck drivers or sales reps), your attorney may be able to request special permission.
What Happens If You Break Travel Rules?
Minnesota courts don’t take bail violations lightly. If you decide to head up north for deer hunting or sneak across the border to Wisconsin without permission, here’s what could happen:
- Bail Revocation: Your bail could be revoked, and your bond money (or your cosigner’s money) is forfeited.
- Warrant Issued: Law enforcement can issue a warrant for your arrest.
- Back to Jail: You could be taken back into custody until your trial.
- Case Impact: Judges will see a travel violation as disrespecting the court, which could hurt your case.
Need to Travel? Do This First
Life happens! Family emergencies, work trips, or other obligations don’t just go away. If you need to travel while on bail in Minnesota:
- Talk to Your Attorney: They can request court approval for your travel.
- Get Judge Approval: Don’t go anywhere until you have permission in writing.
- Keep Your Bondsman Informed: At AAA Bail Bonds, we’re here to help you navigate these rules and keep you compliant.
If you have used a bond agent like AAA Bail Bonds, and you’ve gotten approval from a judge because you must travel, it is important to keep us informed of your whereabouts.
Stay Smart While Out on Bail in Minnesota
Traveling while out on bail in Minnesota isn’t impossible, but it’s definitely not something to gamble with. Always get the judge’s approval first and keep your bail bondsman in the loop. At AAA Bail Bonds, we’ve helped Minnesotans across the state understand their bail conditions and stay out of jail. If you or someone you know has been arrested in Minnesota, call us at 612-900-3400 today. We’re available 24/7, statewide, to get you out of jail and back home where you belong.
