What Happens When Someone Is Arrested?
When the police arrest someone for a crime, they take them into custody to face the criminal justice system. Depending on the severity of the crime and other factors, they may release them on bail while awaiting trial. When you’re in need of bail money, you may not know where to go to get cash. Woodard Bonding Company provides bail bondsman services to help you get out of jail and back to your normal life while you await trial.
Steps Involved When Someone Gets Arrested
While many factors can affect what happens after you’re arrested, there are still processes that you must go through before your hearing. Here are a few of the steps that typically take place after an arrest:
Booking Process
The booking process is a series of administrative procedures and record-keeping actions. You can receive charges, a caution, or be released without charge, depending on the severity of the crime. If there are any charges filed against you, the booking process involves taking a mugshot and recording your fingerprints. They’ll also collect basic personal information, such as name, address, date of birth, etc.
Bond Hearing
During a bond hearing, the judge decides whether a defendant is eligible for bail. They consider the severity of the crime, criminal record, employment status, and potential danger to the public. Judges can also refuse to grant bail if they believe the defendant may flee or hinder the criminal justice process.
Paying Bail
If a judge decides to grant bail, the defendant must pay a certain amount of money to secure their release. That amount could be small, or it could be more significant depending on the severity of the crime. There are several options for paying bail, including:
- Cash Bond – A cash bond is a payment you make in full to the court and is usually only available for smaller amounts. If the defendant does not attend their court hearing, they forfeit the money they pay. They get a refund once the case is over or if they appear in court and meet all bail conditions.
- Bail Bondsman – A bail bondsman acts as a surety between the defendant and the court. The bondsman offers to pay a certain amount of money on behalf of the defendant, usually at a small fee, so that the defendant can get out of jail. They receive their money back once the trial is over, regardless of the outcome.
A professional bail bondsman like Woodard Bonding Company can help you understand the bail bond process. Our experienced agents guide you in getting your loved one out of jail. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Compliance with Bail Conditions
Once a person posts bail, they must follow all the conditions the court sets. This includes appearing in court on the appointed date and time, not breaking any laws, and staying within their county or state. Failure to comply with these conditions can result in forfeiture of the bail amount and further legal action.
Verdict and Bail Refund
At the end of the trial, the judge issues a verdict depending on the facts of the case. After the ruling, the defendant or their representative receives the bail amount that was paid. The time it takes for a court to refund bail money can vary depending on how quickly they process paperwork and other factors.
Secure Your Release With a Reliable Bail Bondsman
At Woodard Bonding Company, we understand the strain and stress of an arrest. We provide fast and reliable bail bond services for a smooth process. Contact us today to learn more about how our bail bondsman can help you secure a release from custody.