If someone you know has been arrested, you are probably worried. It could be a while, however, before you can bail that person out of jail. There are several things you can expect to happen during the booking process, and those steps will come before any others.
What Now? … Things you Can Expect to Happen During the Booking Process
Following are the things you can expect to happen during the booking process.
1. An officer will take the defendant’s name for the record.
After an arrest, the booking process serves as documentation, so information such as the defendant’s name and the alleged crime will be recorded.
2. Potentially dangerous objects will be removed from the defendant’s possession.
Illegal items or dangerous clothing, such as a belt, may be taken from the arrestee. The arrestee may be searched in general.
3. The arrestee’s fingerprints will be taken.
This is one of the most common things you can expect to happen during the booking process. Fingerprints are taken for the record and as an informational resource for officers locally and nationally today and in the future.
4. An officer may speak with him or her to determine the next steps that should be taken.
The person who was arrested will probably be questioned. This would be the time when an officer uncovers issues such as potential future dangers that the arrestee or others could be facing.
5. A DNA sample may be obtained from the defendant.
Information about the DNA sample will be entered into a national database.
6. A photograph will be taken.
As described on Nolo.com, a mug shot can help to keep things clear when there are two people with the same name, and it can establish an arrestee’s condition at the time of the arrest.
It also may be helpful in the future, such as in cases when a defendant skips bail or if the person is accused of committing another crime months or years later.
7. The defendant’s criminal history will be investigated.
Information about past outstanding warrants and other details about the defendant’s criminal history will be obtained. This, by the way, is one of the factors that a judge will use to determine the bail amount.
8. Certain medical details may be obtained.
As relevant, a blood test or X-rays may be taken. The purpose is to protect officers and other inmates, as stated on Nolo.
Contact Detroit Bail Bonds for More Information
We understand how uneasy you’re feeling and how worried you are about your friend’s arrest. If you need more information about the things you can expect to happen during the booking process regarding your friend’s specific case, feel free to contact us through our Detroit Bail Bonds website or by phone at 313-244-0669. We would be happy to alleviate some of your worries or otherwise assist you in getting your friend out of jail as quickly as possible.
