People in Hernando County, Florida, may get arrested after a traffic stop or if police connect them to a recent crime. Some arrests occur due to a lengthy investigation. Others follow a report made by concerned parties or an encounter with law enforcement professionals in a public space. An arrest deprives a person of their freedom temporarily while the state assesses potentially criminal conduct.
People under arrest are often very anxious about what happens next. Those who have never had an encounter with the criminal justice system before are especially vulnerable to making mistakes while in state custody, during court appearances and when responding to the charges brought against them.
Knowing what transpires after an arrest can make it easier for people to respond in an appropriate and effective manner. What typically happens after police first arrest an individual?
Booking into local facilities
Everyone held in state facilities must undergo the booking process. Booking helps identify the individual, track their progress through the court system and ensure the safety of everyone held in state custody.
The arrested person is subject to a thorough search of their clothing and person. Police officers catalog any items that they retain. Officers collect biometric information, including DNA and fingerprints, in many circumstances. They take booking photos of the person arrested. After collecting all necessary information, officers place the person in a holding cell, where they wait for questioning or their first appearance in court.
The first hearing
Most defendants have their first appearance in court within 24 hours of their arrest. They remain in jail and use teleconferencing technology to appear before a judge. The judge verifies that officers had probable cause to arrest them. They set the bond for the defendant’s release. They can also appoint a public defender at this point.
Once the courts have set bond, people can arrange to post a cash bond or make arrangements with a professional to secure their release. If the defendant does not post bond, then they may need to attend an arraignment hearing where they enter a formal plea.
Securing legal representation as soon as possible is an important step for those taken into state custody and facing criminal charges. Ideally, defendants facing criminal charges in Hernando County will secure legal assistance as soon as possible after their arrest, given all that is at stake. A defense attorney can help people navigate questioning, facilitate posting bond and help defendants begin developing a strategy for trial.