Skip to main content
Serving Clients Throughout California
Loading...
Call Us Now! 800-798-7366

What Happens When You Get Arrested? (And What To Do Next)

December 1, 2024

Getting arrested can be a stressful and confusing experience. It’s important to understand the process following an arrest and know what steps you can take to protect your rights and secure your release as soon as possible.

What Happens When You Get Arrested?

When you get arrested, law enforcement officers will inform you of the reason for the arrest and your legal rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. This initial interaction marks the formal start of custody, after which you will be transported to a police station for booking.

Timing of the Process Following an Arrest

So, exactly what happens after you get arrested? The timeline after an arrest can vary depending on the circumstances but generally involves a few key stages:

  1. Booking and Processing: This initial phase occurs at the police station, where you are held until your first court appearance, which must occur without unreasonable delay – usually within 48 hours if arrested without a warrant.
  2. Arraignment: At your first court appearance, the charges against you will be read, and you’ll have the opportunity to enter a plea. This is typically when bail is set, if applicable.
  3. Setting Bail: If the judge decides that bail is appropriate, they will set the amount based on a bail schedule or at their discretion. This is a crucial stage as it dictates whether you can be released from custody while awaiting trial and under what financial conditions.
  4. Decision on Bail: After bail is set, you or your representative will have the opportunity to post bail to secure your release. This can be done through various routes, such as paying the full amount in cash, using a property bond, or, more commonly, through a bail bondsman who can post a surety bond on your behalf.

Basic Do’s and Don’ts

Wondering what to do if you get arrested? Here are a few tips:

  • Do remain calm and polite.
  • Do exercise your right to remain silent except when providing your identification details.
  • Do ask for an attorney immediately.
  • Don’t resist arrest.
  • Don’t discuss your case with anyone other than your lawyer.

How to Begin the Bail Process

If bail is set at your arraignment, understanding how to post bail is crucial for securing your release until trial:

  1. Understand the Bail Amount: Listen carefully when the judge sets the bail amount or refer to the bail schedule that outlines amounts for common offenses.
  2. Decide on the Type of Bail: Options include paying the full amount in cash, using a property bond, or securing a bail bond through a licensed bail bondsman.
  3. Contact a Reputable Bail Bondsman: Reach out to a trusted bail bonds agency like The Bail Boys. A skilled bondsman can facilitate the bail process, ensuring all paperwork is handled efficiently and professionally, which can expedite your release.

What to Do if Someone Gets Arrested: Contact The Bail Boys

If someone you know gets arrested, contacting a reliable bail bondsman like The Bail Boys can make their release much easier. Our bail bondsmen can guide you through the bail process, helping you understand your options, explain who can bail you out of jail, and tell you exactly what’s required.

If you find yourself or a loved one in need of bail services, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Bail Boys for professional assistance 24/7. Contact us now for more information about our California bail bond services!

Image Credit: alexeisido / shutterstock

RELATED POSTS

Updated May 31, 2026 What happens if you skip bail? It’s a common question, and the answer is extremely important for anyone involved in the bail process. Let’s take a closer look at what it means to skip bail, the punishments attached, and how failing to appear in court can impact legal proceedings. Introduction to […]

One of the most common misconceptions about bail enforcement agents is that they have the same legal powers as law enforcement officers. Bail enforcement agents, also known as bounty hunters, are individuals or agents who go after people who have skipped bail. Their sole purpose is to ensure that a defendant who has been released […]

A bail bond hearing is an important part of the legal process that helps decide whether a defendant gets bail or not. During a bail bond hearing, the judge considers several factors to determine if the defendant is eligible for bail and, if so, the amount required for their release. The bail serves as a […]

en_USEnglish