The Criminal Process: What to Expect Before and After an Arrest

If you are arrested, there are a few things you can expect in the criminal process. First, you will likely be taken into custody and be required to post bail. Once you are released, you will need to attend all court proceedings and comply with all court orders. If you do not, you could be arrested again and face additional criminal penalties.

The criminal process begins with an arrest. An arrest is an act of taking a person into custody because they are suspected of committing a crime. The police may arrest a person based on a warrant or they may arrest a person without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed.

Once a person is arrested, they will be taken to a police station and booked. This process includes taking the person's fingerprints and photographing and recording their personal information. The person will also be advised of their Miranda rights.

After being booked, the person will be released from custody if they post bail. Bail is money or property that is deposited with the court to guarantee that the defendant will appear in court. If the person does not post bail, they will be held in custody until their arraignment.

Arraignment is the first court appearance in a criminal case. The defendant is informed of the charges against them and they are asked to enter a plea. If the defendant pleads guilty, they may be sentenced at this time. If the defendant pleads not guilty, the case will go to trial.

The trial is the formal presentation of evidence in a criminal case. The prosecution presents evidence against the defendant and the defendant may present evidence in their defense. After the evidence is presented, the jury will decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty.

If the defendant is found guilty, they will be sentenced. The sentence may include jail time, a fine, or both. If the defendant is found not guilty, they will be released from custody.

If you are arrested, it is important to seek legal representation. An experienced criminal defense attorney can advise you of your rights and help you navigate the criminal process.