What Happens When You Get Arrested in Texas?

 Posted on December 10, 2020 in Bail Bonds

Most people have a basic knowledge of what happens when a person is arrested by police officers, if only because they have seen many arrests performed on TV shows and in the movies. However, the actual procedures followed are not always the same as what we see on the screen, and people may not be aware of what happens after a person is taken to a police station or jail. By understanding the process of an arrest, you can be prepared to respond if this happens to you or your loved one, and you can take the right steps to get out of jail quickly by posting bail.

Steps Followed After an Arrest

In most cases, police officers may perform an arrest because they have probable cause to believe that someone committed a crime. This may occur during a traffic stop if an officer believes that a person has been driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs or in other situations where a person is suspected of criminal activity. In some cases, a person may be arrested after an arrest warrant is issued based on reports of a crime. An arrest in Texas will usually involve the following process:

1. Booking - After being taken into police custody, a person will be taken to a police station or jail. They will usually be searched, their personal property will be confiscated, and they will be provided with a voucher listing all items taken by officials. They will also be fingerprinted and photographed, and personal information such as their name, address, and birth date will be recorded.

2. Questioning - Either before or after a person is booked, officers may interrogate them about their alleged criminal activity. Before asking any questions, officers must inform a person of their “Miranda rights,” which state that a person has the right to remain silent during questioning, any answers they provide may be used as evidence in a criminal case, they have a right to be represented by an attorney while they are being questioned, and they will be provided with legal counsel if they cannot afford to hire an attorney.

3. Arraignment - After a person is arrested and booked, a prosecutor will decide whether to formally charge them with a crime. If they are charged, they have the right to a court hearing before a judge known as a magistrate, and this hearing must occur within 48 hours after their arrest. At this hearing, the judge will inform the person of the charges against them, the person will enter a plea (in most cases, they will plead “not guilty”), and the judge will set an amount of bail that must be paid before the person can be released.

4. Posting bail and securing release - A person can pay the full amount of bail, or they can receive a bail bond, which will allow them to post bail while paying only 10 percent of the full amount set by the judge. After posting bail, a person will be released from custody. The judge may also set other requirements that they must follow while their case is ongoing, such as remaining within a certain geographical area. The person will also be required to attend any future court hearings scheduled during their case.

Contact a McKinney Bail Bondsman

At Doc’s Bail Bonds, we can help you get released as soon as possible after you are arrested, or we can help you post bail for your friend or family member. We can provide you with affordable payment options to allow you to post the amount of bail set by the judge, and we can make sure all procedures are followed correctly during your case. To get out of jail quickly and easily, call our reputable Dallas County bail agents at 214-747-4110. We are available 24/7/365.

Sources:

https://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-procedure/chronology-the-arrest-process.html

https://www.lawyers.com/legal-info/criminal/criminal-law-process/criminal-process-in-texas.html