If the police arrest you, you could potentially spend a long time awaiting your trial in a cell. While bail is available to most people, it can sometimes be hard to come up with the money.
While it might not be easy, you probably should if you can manage it. Here is why:
Being in jail is a punishment, and you are currently innocent
Regardless of what decision a court eventually arrives at regarding your guilt, you remain innocent until proven guilty. Why give up your freedom if you do not have to?
Yes, the time you spend behind bars could be taken off any sentence you receive, but what if your sentence ends up being less than the time you spent locked up? What if you are cleared of the charges?
Being behind bars can be dangerous
Penal facilities have a lot of people with a history of aggression, violence and mental problems. Many believe you need to show you are tough to survive, and picking on a newcomer like you could help them prove that.
Being locked up is costly
If you get bail, you can probably still do your job, pay your bills and feed your family. You cannot do that if you are locked up.
It’s much harder to work on your defense when you are inside
Defending against criminal charges can be hard enough when you are free to meet with your attorney or do research. It will be much more challenging if you are not free to do as you please. Consider legal help to persuade a judge to set a reasonable bail amount.