Just Got Arrested in Raleigh? Here's What to Expect

If you've just been arrested in Raleigh, you may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what comes next. You're not alone – many people find themselves in this situation every year. This blog post will outline what to expect after being arrested, so that you can prepare yourself for the road ahead. Keep in mind that the information contained herein is general in nature and may not apply to your specific case; please consult an experienced criminal defense attorney for more information.

The booking process

Booking is the administrative process that occurs after a person is arrested and taken into custody. The purpose of booking is to document the arrest and to collect information about the defendant, such as their name, address, and next of kin. The booking process also includes taking the defendant's fingerprints and photographs. In some cases, the booking process can be quite brief, taking only a few minutes. In other cases, it can take several hours. 

After the booking process is complete, the defendant will either be released on bail or held in custody until their arraignment. If the defendant is released on bail, they will be required to post a bond according to a bail schedule. If the defendant is held in custody, they will await their arraignment where the judge will set their bail. In some cases, the defendant may attend a special hearing on setting bail. 

The booking process can be stressful and humiliating for defendants. However, it is a necessary step after getting arrested in Raleigh. By understanding the booking process and what to expect, defendants can be better prepared for this experience.

Who sets bail in Raleigh?

Bail is set by a Wake County judge after taking into consideration various conditions, such as:

• the severity of the crime,
• if the defendant has any prior criminal records, and
• the financial stability of the defendant.

The purpose of bail is not to punish the defendant. Rather, it is to ensure that the defendant will return for their court date. If the defendant does not have the money to pay their bail, they can work with a bail bond company. This company will post the bail on the defendant's behalf in exchange for a fee.

Do you need an attorney to get out of jail?

If you have been charged with a crime, you may be wondering if you need an attorney to get out of jail. The answer is no - you do not need an attorney to post bail or to get a defendant out of jail. However, if you are facing a prison or jail term, you are entitled to counsel. And if you are being questioned about matters relating to an alleged crime, you may request that an attorney be present. In these situations, if you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one.

The advantage of retaining an attorney at the time of arrest is that the attorney may be able to get the bail reduced or get charges reduced (resulting in lower bail). So while you are not required to have an attorney to get out of jail, it may be in your best interest to retain one as soon as possible.

Get out of jail fast with Big Mike

No one wants to spend time in jail – it's an uncomfortable and often dangerous place. That's why Big Mike Bail Bonds is here to help you get out of jail as quickly as possible, so you can get back to your life. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we offer flexible payment options. Contact us today to get started on your release.

At Big Mike Bail Bonds, we believe that bad things can happen to good people. Even a small mistake can land you in big trouble. With our experience, we can get you out of jail and on with your life. The team at Big Mike Bail Bonds will help find the best bond for you with affordable options. We serve Raleigh, NC as well as areas across Central and Eastern North Carolina including Wake, Johnson, Sampson, and Harnett Counties. If you have questions or you or a loved one needs help covering costs to get out of jail and through the bail process, call Big Mike at 919-934-5656 to see how we can help!