Getting arrested, especially to those who never had experience with the system, can attest to the hardship of it all. Having the run-ins with the law whether it was due to a DUI, a misdemeanor or a felony; it can be a struggle. Where few plan on getting arrested, the ones that do are often surrendering to authorities because of an arrest warrant, or knowingly committed a crime they take responsibility for. Sometimes it can be a help to know what to expect, or to understand what a love one is experiencing. In any case, we at Ajua Bail Bonds have recently related on what to expect during the arresting process and understanding the Miranda rights, and now today we would like to relate on what follows at central booking and the arraignment.
Central Booking Jail Intake Facility
While in police custody, there is a medical screening included to those who have been arrested to provide those in need to get the necessary medical treatment required while in police custody. This process is often the first step in the Central Booking process where the EMS paramedics will inquire about health, any recent exposure to diseases, and all medical concerns associated with you. The interview is confidential and is performed to protect everyone, including the arrested defendants while awaiting their arraignment. The medic will determine if you have medical conditions that are in need of monitoring, medicating and to evaluate the risks of any contagious conditions that can spread to others.
Wait for the Court Arraignment Hearing Date
Following the medical inquiry, you will be in for a long wait while you wait for the arraignment. During the wait, paperwork is completed and assembled and your case will be placed in queue or docketed for court. Expect the good possibility of being moved about several times in the meantime and to wait 8- 12 hours in the courthouse before seeing your attorney and judge. During the waiting period, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as being able to request water as needed and personal hygiene products and toiletries are provided. And if needed, there are often pay telephones within the cells. During the waiting period, a representative from the Criminal Justice Agency will interview you to recommend to the court regarding the bail details. If you want this process to be tipped in your favor it is crucial you are polite, honest, and give a few references that can verify your information. It is regulated in the state of California that you must be seen before the judge on your arraignment within 48 hours of being arrested unless the police can provide reasonable explanation for the delay.
Access to Medicines While in Custody
If you are turning yourself in and know you will be arrested, and are regularly medicated throughout regular intervals during the day, you should plan on bringing a 2-3 day supply just in case there are any issues. You are not allowed to keep medication on you while in the cell, but the medics will assure you get the correct dose and time of your medications. If you are in need of medication and you do not have it, the police department will go through the process to make sure you have it. If you have asthma problems, over the counter inhalers and oxygen is housed in the facility. In the event you feel ill and require medical attention, the paramedic will perform an exam and evaluate your medical needs. Should you need the hospital, you will be escorted by officers and permitted treatment, afterwards you will be brought back to central booking.
The Arraignment Process
Once you have been docketed to the court, you will be brought to a holding cell in conjunction to the courtroom assigned to your arraignment. If you have your own lawyer, they will perform proper protocols and if you do not have one, the court will provide one for you. Prior to seeing the judge, your attorney will see you one on one to discuss the charges, detail you on any plea offers made by the DA or judge and to discuss your action to the plea offer. In addition the application for release without bail the attorney will ask for specific information. The arraignment is a formal court process where you are informed on your specific charges and your rights as a defendant. More often than not, the formal reading is waived by the defense attorney. The DA will then perform their job, relate the accounts of the police report, and additional circumstantial evidence that makes the chargers a little more concrete.
Plead Guilty or Not Guilty & Bail Bond Conditions Set
Following the DA statements, your disposition offer, guilty or not guilty, will be voiced. Should you plead not guilty; the court will then ask the DA on their recommendation on whether you should be released on your own recognizance or if bail needs to be set. From there, your attorney will represent the arguing points you gave during the interview and the references you gave to confirm the facts in the attempt to lower bail or a release on your own recognizance. You will have to speak very little, if at all, and usually only if you accept the plea offer. If you feel something needs to be said in your defense, quietly inform your attorney. Arraignments are usually executed in a flash and are not drawn out. However, if something is a surprise to you during the proceedings, you do have the right to tell your attorney and they will take it from there.
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At the end of the arraignment, if a bail amount has been issued, allow Ajua Bail Bonds to step in to assist you in posting bail. Our experienced and resourceful staff can get the job done, quickly, discretely, and efficiently! Contact us when you need bail to get out of jail fast!