The Benefits Of Quickly Obtaining Bail

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It is not uncommon for people to make a mistake and find themselves being arrested. This is often a new experience, and the process can be very confusing. The one thing everyone seems to have in common is the desire to not spend any time in jail. In many cases, jail time can be avoided by paying a bail amount set by a court. Should someone not be able to afford the bail amount, a bail bondsman can be the key to avoiding time in jail. There are a number of reasons to get bail as soon as possible.

WHAT IS BAIL?
Property or money provided to a court for release of a person charged with a crime is known as bail. The reason for it is to assure a person charged with a crime returns to court for trial. The money used for bail is often given back to the provider upon conclusion of a trial. This happens if a person is found guilty or innocent when the trial is concluded. Should a person not return to the court for their trial, the court will keep the money or property provided for bail

KEEPING A JOB
A person may need the services of a bail bondsman to post bail as soon as possible. They may be motivated to do this so they can keep their job. In many cases, a person is not in a position to take time away from their work. Being able to maintain a steady income is essential for a number of reasons. As a case progresses, a person may need to pay legal fees and other things associated with their case. Keeping a job means people will be able to keep a home and maintain their life. This will reduce the stress involved with handling the trial’s proceedings.

PRIVACY
When people are charged with a crime, they don’t want it to take over their life. It’s beneficial to arrange bail immediately and start working on the case while not incarcerated. Spending time in jail can cause harm to a person’s reputation. This can happen even if they are found innocent of the crimes charged against them.

FAMILY TENSION
Having a family member charged with a crime is a situation that will impact the entire family. It will cause tension that increases when a person has to spend time in jail. Getting released on bail quickly will minimize the emotional impact on a family when one of its members is arrested. It is much easier to have the family member home then worry about them being locked up with criminals.

BUILDING A DEFENSE
When a person is arrested, they will want to be out on bail quickly so they can start working with a lawyer to build their legal defense. It is much easier for someone to visit an attorney’s office than for the attorney to deal with seeing someone in prison. A person will be able to explain the circumstances of the arrest and provide as many facts as possible for their defense. This could lead to positive evidence collection and more.

AVOID ARREST
A person does not have to be arrested for them to have to pay a bail amount. There are a number of things a person can be charged with where paying bail will end the situation. These are called preset bail amounts. In some cases, it is a way for a person to avoid jail time as well as being arrested.

The Booking Process: How Does It Work?

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Your Rights Following An Arrest

Being arrested is a trying and uncertain time. Understanding your rights under the law can help alleviate some of the anxiety, and ensure that you are getting the treatment you deserve as a citizen.

Immediately following your arrest you will be transported to the police station for intake processing. The intake process involves confirming your identity by asking you basic questions such as name, address, date of birth, and social security number. You will have your fingerprints taken, as well as being photographed in what is commonly known as a “mug shot.”

Once your identity is confirmed, the police will conduct a search for any outstanding warrants, summons, or unpaid fines which will be included in your arraignment before a judge. You will be searched and have all personal items confiscated. Any illegal items found on your person may lead to additional charges being brought against you. Although contraband is not returned, your personal effects will be given back to you upon your release. You will be given a voucher listing the personal items that you have a right to retrieve. If for some reason you are not given a voucher, you have a right to ask for the voucher number as well as issuing officer’s name and badge number to confirm that the correct items are returned to you when released.

You may have to undergo a medical examination during which you will have to submit to a blood, urine, or breath test if arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Be sure to make the police aware of any medications you take for a serious illness. It is your right to have your prescription medications listed on your prisoner medical treatment form and made available to the medical staff if necessary. Additionally, you cannot be denied medical treatment if you are injured or unwell.

Once the intake processing is completed, you will be taken to Central Booking (or the jurisdiction’s equivalent) for arraignment processing. While in custody awaiting arraignment, you are entitled to certain basic rights. You will be provided with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The meat on the sandwiches provided for lunch and dinner is halal, and if you are a vegetarian you may request a cheese sandwich. Additionally, you must be provided with soap, toilet paper, and drinking water.

It is essential that you are aware of your right to have an attorney present before answering any questions or providing a statement to police. If you cannot afford to pay a lawyer, a public defender will act on your behalf. Additionally, arresting officers are not required to advise you of your right to remain silent (Miranda warning) unless they intend on questioning you. However, you should be aware that the police can use anything they hear you say while in custody as part of the case against you even if you were not read your rights. Refrain from speaking about your case to anyone, including on the telephone or to another prisoner, until your lawyer is present.

Remaining calm and courteous to the officers will only serve to make the booking process run more smoothly. During this process your basic human rights must be met, you are not required to incriminate yourself, and are entitled to legal counsel even if unable to pay.