What happens when you go to jail?
No one ever expects to end up in jail, but the reality is that sometimes bad things happen, and people find themselves behind bars. If this happens to you, it's essential to know what to expect to prepare yourself for the process. The following article will give you a basic overview of what happens when you are arrested and go to jail.
The booking process
When you are arrested, the first thing that will happen is the booking process. First, you will be fingerprinted, and your mugshot will be taken. This is all done to identify you and keep track of your criminal record. You will also be asked a series of questions, such as your name, address, and date of birth. Once the booking process is completed, you will be assigned to a cell.
The intake process
After you have been booked, you will go through the intake process. This is when you will be assigned to a cell. You will also be given a chance to make a phone call.
A jail staff member will also interview you. This is done to determine whether or not you are a threat to yourself or others and to assess your mental health. You will also be asked about any medical conditions you have. The intake process is also when you will be assigned to a cell.
Types of jails (local, county, state, federal)
There are four types of jails: local jails, county jails, state prisons, and federal prisons.
Local jails are typically run by the sheriff's department in a particular county. County jails are larger and more centralized than local jails, and they are usually run by the county government.
State prisons are operated by the state government and usually house inmates who have committed more serious offenses.
Federal prisons are operated by the federal government and typically house inmates who have been convicted of federal crimes.
The type of jail you are placed in will depend on the severity of your crime. If you have been arrested for a minor offense, you will likely be placed in a local or county jail. If you have been arrested for a more serious crime, you will likely be placed in a state or federal prison.
Being released from jail
If you are lucky, you may be released from jail on your own recognizance, meaning that you do not have to post bail and can go free until your court date.
If you are not released on your own recognizance, you will have to post bail in order to be released from jail. Bail is typically set by a judge and is based on the severity of the crime you have been charged with.
Once you have posted bail, you will be given a date to appear in court. If you fail to appear in court, a warrant will be issued for your arrest, and you will have to go back to jail.
You'll avoid this situation entirely by showing up to every court appearance. It's crucial to stay on top of your court case, and your bail bondsman can help you monitor these dates.
Your bail will be released at the resolution of your case.
Posting bail
Using a bail bondsman is often the cheapest and easiest way to post bail.
When you use a bail bondsman, you only have to pay a small percentage of the bail amount, and the bail bondsman will post the rest.
For example, if your bail is set at $5,000, you may only have to pay $500 to the bail bondsman. The bail bondsman will then post the entirety of the $5,000 bail to the court on your behalf.
If you need help understanding the bail system for yourself or a loved one, give us a call for a quick, confidential, and FREE bail consultation at 1-800-622-9991