More laws are passed every year outlawing certain behaviors for California residents. On top of that, law enforcement techniques are becoming more sophisticated all the time. The result? It seems like more people than ever before have an arrest record.
There are millions of Americans who have lengthy criminal records. These individuals know what to expect when they are arrested and taken in for processing, and they may even know the options for how to get released after an arrest. However, most California residents don't know anything about the criminal justice system because they've never been arrested. So, what can our readers expect if they are unfortunate enough to be arrested for the first time? Well, one of three possibilities will likely occur.
First, there is the possibility that everyone probably hopes for: That there won't be any charges filed as a result of the arrest, and the individual will be free to go. Unfortunately, this is not the most common occurrence. What typically happens for most individuals is that a judicial officer sets a certain dollar amount for the individual to post bond. In some cases, just a percentage of the amount has to be paid, although in other instances the whole amount has to be deposited. This is true for felonies and misdemeanors and, depending on the circumstances, the individual may even be released without bond if the individual promises to return for the court proceedings to come.
Lastly, if the alleged crime is serious enough, there is a possibility that the individual will be held without bond. This is usually reserved for the most serious of offenses, such as murder or rape. The arrest process can be confusing and traumatic, particularly if a person is innocent. It is in these situations that seeking legal help may help an individual understand the charges they face and what can be done in their favor.