Before I became a Bail Bondsman I had never even known anyone that had been arrested much less a family member or friend. Now a days it seems everyone I know has had a brush with the law, arrested for one thing or another. It is an understatement to say it is an unpleasant experience and although personally I have never gone through it I have heard plenty of slightly varying accounts.

Getting past the obvious of whether you are guilty or not , the fact remains you are being arrested, you are going to jail . The police officer will read you your Miranda Rights which are basically to inform you of your rights as a U.S. citizen. We have all heard them on TV and cop shows.

You have the right to remain silent and to refuse to answer any questions

Whatever you say can and will be used against you in a court of law

You have the right to an attorney

If you can't afford one, one will be appointed to you

If you decide to answer any questions you can still stop at any time until you consult with an attorney

Do you understand these rights and are you willing to answer my questions now ?

You may be asked to sign a document acknowledging you were read your rights.

At this point you are legally being arrested and if the arresting officer hasn't done so yet he/she will now pat you down to make sure you have no drugs or weapons on you , handcuff you , place you in the backseat of a patrol car and take you to the nearest detention facility. Depending on the size of the facility and space availability you will be placed in a holding cell by yourself until they can book you in. Placing you in a cold space the size of your bathroom by yourself is believe it or not for your own protection. This procedure is followed for different reasons . For the one who has had to much to drink it will allow him time to sober up. For the angry or visibly upset and emotional person it will allow time for observation to make sure he / she will not become a threat to himself , staff or others .

Upon booking the booking officer will ask you a list of standard personal questions , photograph you, take fingerprints , gather your belongings to put in your property bag, and hand you your inmate outfit and rubber sandals. Although there may be an officer watching you disrobe ( for females a female officer will be present ) there is none of the feared strip or cavity searches going on here. At this time you will also be allowed a phone call. Like in everything else in life , being courteous and respectful to the correction officers might get you more than one call.

If you were arrested on a warrant and your charge already has a preset bond now is the time to arrange for bail. Whether you call a family member, friend or bail bondsman , it is totally up to you. A local bailbond list and a phone book are normally provided for your convenience. If on the other hand, you were arrested on probable cause, a warrant with no bond or a felony charge you would have to spend the night in jail and then go before a judge in the morning. This hearing is called first appearance and after the judge reads and reviews your arrest form he/she will then set the bail. As before , you can then arrange for bail. Upon booking you would have been provided with your arraignment date, which is usually set for two to three weeks down the line. Make sure you appear at each and every hearing unless advised otherwise by your attorney.

If you or a loved one is arrested make sure to call a bailbondsman and or an attorney for initial free advice.