Bond Conditions and Travel
Can You Travel While Out on Bond in Virginia?
Facing criminal charges in Virginia is stressful enough, especially if you had a vacation or work trip already planned. One of the most common questions we get at Battlefield Law Group is: “Can I still travel if I’ve been arrested and released on bond?”
In a recent Hey Steve video, veteran trial attorney Steve Duckett breaks down this issue and explains how our firm helps clients request travel permissions through the court system. While the answer often depends on the nature of the charge, the good news is that travel is not always off the table.
Understanding Bond Conditions in Virginia
When you’re released on bond after being charged with a criminal offense, the court can place conditions on your release. These conditions are authorized under Virginia Code § 19.2‑123, which allows a judicial officer to set restrictions that ensure you will appear at future court dates and not pose a risk to public safety.
One common condition of bond is a travel restriction, particularly leaving the state or country. This is designed to ensure that the defendant remains within the court’s jurisdiction until the matter is resolved. However, courts understand that people may have prior commitments, especially if the trip was planned and paid for before the arrest.
Can You Go on Vacation After Being Charged?
The short answer is: possibly, but not without court approval.
As Steve explains in our YouTube Short, it’s a fairly common occurrence for someone to face charges and still have a vacation or trip scheduled. In these situations, our attorneys can file a motion to modify bond conditions. This motion requests the court's permission for you to travel during a specific time frame, outlining the reason for the travel, the destination, and a promise to return before your next court date.
The court will consider several factors when deciding whether to grant the motion, including:
The seriousness and type of the charge (non-violent vs. violent offense)
The defendant’s prior criminal history (or lack thereof)
Whether the defendant has consistently appeared at prior court dates
Whether the travel appears to pose a flight risk
For many misdemeanor or non-violent felony cases, judges are often willing to approve reasonable travel requests, especially when they are made in advance and through the proper legal process.
What Happens If You Travel Without Permission?
Traveling without the court’s consent while out on bond is risky and could lead to a revocation of bond, meaning the court could issue a warrant for your arrest and have you taken into custody. Even if you return on time, violating your bond conditions can damage your credibility with the court and hurt your defense.
How Battlefield Law Group Can Help
At Battlefield Law Group, we regularly help clients petition the court for travel permissions during pending criminal cases. Our experienced attorneys understand how to present these requests clearly and persuasively, giving you the best possible chance of keeping your travel plans intact while protecting your legal interests.
If you’ve been released on bond and want to travel, or just need clarity on what your bond conditions mean, reach out to us today. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you take the next steps with confidence.
Watch the Video
Check out our Hey Steve YouTube Short where attorney Steve Duckett addresses this exact question:
Watch Now: Can I Go on Vacation While Out on Bond?
