Difference Between Misdemeanor and Felony Bail

Whether you or someone you know has been arrested, in most cases the person has the right to post bail in order to get out of jail. However, there are some cases where posting bail is not an option and the person must remain in jail even after the custody time has elapsed. What often determines whether a person has the right to post bail is the charge(s) for which they were arrested, as well as any meaningful circumstances involving the arrested individual. Further, a major determining factor is whether those charges were a misdemeanor or a felony.

Arrest Process

If someone is suspected of a crime, law enforcement officials may decide to arrest the individual and then take them to jail. Once they arrive at the jail, the individual will then be “booked” into the facility. This is an administrative process involving the filling out of forms and the gathering of their personal information. Further, it is during this booking process where the arrest information, the charges, as well as an inventory of personal property will be recorded. The individual will also photographed and fingerprinted during the booking.

Bail Process

Once the person has been booked, they will then be arraigned. During the arraignment, the defendant will appear before a judge, is informed of the charges, and then can enter a plea. It is during their arraignment where the individual will learn what their bail amount will be. This process will be very similar for both misdemeanor and felony charges. In situations where the defendant is allowe