If you find yourself arrested by local law enforcement, then you find yourself in a bad situation. Avoid worsening your situation by arming yourself with knowledge. Having an understanding of the criminal legal process will provide you with the tools to better navigate through that process, whether you committed a crime or not.
Understand the Process
Arrest, of course, is the first step. Next, you are transported to a detention center for booking, which entails surrender of personal items, physical and background searches, identity verification and documentation, and input into the booking system. Most jails allow at least one free local call. All other calls must be collect or placed with a prepaid calling account. For most county jails, someone can create an account to accept inmates’ calls through a third-party provider. Incoming calls are not allowed.
Be Patient and Keep Cautious
The bail bond process cannot begin until all arrest and booking procedures are complete. The booking process could take less than an hour in small localities or several hours for larger or busier facilities. Your bail bonds agency will do what it can to expedite the process, but according to a Sacramento Bail Bondsman, jail personnel will process at their own speed.
There is no assumption of privacy when in custody. All communications can be monitored except those with an attorney, and other inmates sometimes act as informants. Therefore, do not talk about the circumstances for your arrest with anyone until released.
Find Assistance from People Who Understand the Process
Standard bail schedules specify the bail amounts for common crimes. If you cannot pay the full amount, you will need to raise funds, secure a loan or contact a bail bonds agency. Chances are you will not have the means to pay your entire bail up front. Most arrestees pursue their release with the assistance of a bail bonds company. Choosing a reputable, accessible and experienced agency is important in your situation. Bonds agencies will charge a non-refundable premium, usually 10 percent of the full bail amount.
Process After Posting Bail
When your bail is posted, you will be processed according to the facility’s schedule. Your possessions will be returned and you will be given a receipt or notice with court appearance information. You must appear in court at the scheduled date and time or risk having the court issue an arrest warrant. Also, if you fail to appear as scheduled in court, your bail is forfeited and your bond is revoked, which means you will be liable for the full amount of the bail.
Focus on obtaining your release from jail first, and then figure out how to stay out.
This article is from Savannah Coulsen, a freelance writer. She lives in Long Beach. Savannah loves to read and write and she hopes to write a novel someday. Savannah also loves learning and is a self-proclaimed health guru.
