Booking and Bail
Being arrested for a crime is the beginning of a long and complicated process that includes booking, setting bail, appointment of an attorney, appearing in court for your arraignment, a trial, and possibly sentencing if you are convicted. If you are arrested, you likely have a thousand thoughts and emotions running through your head all at once, making it difficult to concentrate and keep your wits about you. When you are placed under arrest and taken to the police station, there are some key details to the booking and bail process that you should know to help your case.
Once you are read your Miranda Rights, including your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney, you will be taken into custody to the police station for booking. Booking includes recording your personal information and getting fingerprinted, photographed, and searched. You will likely be questioned at the station as well. Remember that you do not have to answer any questions that you are asked at any time. The police may try to intimidate you or coerce you into answering questions, but it is entirely within your rights to decline to answer and ask to see a lawyer.
Depending on the crime committed, after booking you will likely be held in jail for a period of time and your bail will be set. Bail is essentially a security deposit that you pay to a court to be released from jail and that guarantees that you will show up to future court summons, including your arraignment and trial. If you show up for court when specified, your bail money will be returned.
While in jail you will have the opportunity to call and arrange for someone to post bail on your behalf, and you will then be released from jail. When talking with a relative or friend, do not give details about the arrest or the crime with which you are charged. This information could be used against you in court.
Contact Us
The criminal procedure can seem daunting, which is why it is strongly recommended that anyone arrested for a crime seek counsel from a lawyer. A criminal defense lawyer will advise you on how to proceed with your case, will protect your rights under the law, and will aggressively defend your case against the prosecution to ensure that you are given a fair trial.
For sound legal advice and assistance with your criminal charge, don’t hesitate to contact the experienced Boca Raton criminal attorneys of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. today at 561-353-2800.
