What is the process when arrested--beside the one phone call? court? bail?

Question

What is the process when arrested--beside the one phone call? court? bail?

Answer 1

You're processed at the jail--fingerprints, mug shot--and put into a holding cell, where you wait to go in front of the judge. You have the right to a lawyer, so ask for one. The next day, you go in front of the judge, who sets bail. If bail can't be paid, you go back to jail to wait for a trial or to face the judge (or for the charges to be dropped).

Answer 2

First, they have to read you the Miranda warning -- "You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law, etc."  They take you to the station, take your pictures (mug shot), fingerprint you, and then they may have an officer try to interview you.  If you say "I want a lawyer" the interview is over.  They will then give you the one phone call, place you in a holding cell (they might transfer you to another jail) and then you have to wait for a bail hearing.  Every state is different -- in some states they can call a judge and set bail right away, but in other states you actually have to spend at least a day in jail and wait to see a judge to have them set bail.  If you can make bail or post a bond, they let you go.  If you can't make bail or post a bond, or if bail is denied, you stay in jail until the trial.

Answer 3

Generally, most jails will let you make a reasonable number of phone calls trying to make bail. They don't want you there any more than you want to be there. If there's no bond already set, you'll see a judge to have it set. When you get out, you'll normally get a notice to appear in court. It may be weeks or months later. But be sure that the address you give on your bond is one where you will be sure to get the mail. If that changes, tell the clerk of the court you're bonded to about the new address. They are NOT responsible for guessing where you might get mail.