1
The Arrest and Booking
Once a person is arrested, they are taken to the county jail in the county of arrest and turned over the a corrections officer for booking. During booking, biographical information is given and photographs are taken and entered into the jail system. Once booked, the person is then taken to a holding cell for continued processing.
2
Bonding Process
After being booked into jail, a bond amount is generally assigned for your release based on the bond schedule corresponding with the criminal charge. You will typically be seen by a neutral magistrate within 24 hours of being taken into custody. You will have the option of either bonding by you or a friend/family member paying the bond amount in cash (cash bond) or by contacting a bondsman (surety bond) to arrange for release. A cash bond is paid in full and is refunded after the case is concluded. A surety bond is posted by a bonding company with a 10% premium paid to the bondsman as a fee.
3
What if there is No Bond?
In some cases, the charge you have been jailed for is considered a non-bondable offense. Hiring a lawyer experienced in bond hearings is important. Your attorney will file a Motion for Bond with the court and schedule a hearing hoping to convince the judge you are a good candidate for release
