Though you may have never had an encounter with the law, you may know someone who has been arrested or received a citation for a criminal charge. For some, a criminal citation could be driving under the influence or an assault charge. Drug-related offenses often lead to arrests, as can failure to appear warrants or judge-ordered arrest warrants. Law enforcement agencies around Memphis take their job very seriously, but so do we. If you find yourself facing an arrest or know someone else who is, All n One Bail is the leading Memphis bail bonds option.

Misdemeanors vs. Felony Charges

How you are arrested often depends on the alleged crime. At times, an officer may issue a citation or ticket for you to appear in court rather than having you arrested. Defendants who fail to appear in court on the date noted in the citation or who fail to take care of the citation beforehand may lead to another criminal charge and bench warrant for their arrest.

If the alleged activity is a misdemeanor, it generally leads to an arrest. The same can be said about a felony violation. These are serious offenses that require appearing before a judge to determine the next steps. Felony crimes can include:

  • Aggravated assault
  • Robbery or burglary
  • Homicide
  • Kidnapping
  • Drug trafficking
  • Rape or sexual assault
  • White-collar crimes

Misdemeanors can include:

  • Shoplifting or theft under $500
  • Trespassing
  • Vandalism
  • Assault
  • Simple possession

Facing an Arrest

Not everyone receives an advance warning that they are going to be arrested. For example, driving while drunk is a situation that often leads to immediate arrest when discovered, but many get behind the wheel thinking they aren’t going to get caught. Others have an idea that an arrest is imminent, such as when a judge signs an arrest warrant and gives local police the authority to find the individual and take them into custody. Being arrested does not mean you are guilty. It means the police or court has probable cause that the law has been broken.

Probable cause means there is enough evidence to have an individual arrested. If you are caught speeding on Interstate 40 and the police smell alcohol when they pull you over, failing a breathalyzer gives them enough evidence to have you officially detained or arrested. Domestic assault, illicit drug use or sales, theft, vandalism, felony acts and other crimes can all lead to arrests, but regardless of the situation, you can expect the same process to take place.

Booking and Processing

Once the police have made the arrest, you will be taken to the local jail for booking and processing. This is where the mug shot and fingerprints will be taken, and the agency will gather your personal information. This general incarceration process can take between two to five hours. If the charge is a misdemeanor, you may have a bail bond amount pre-set. The bond amount can be satisfied with cash or by calling All n One Bail, the most efficient and affordable Memphis bail bonds company. If the individual is booked on felony charges, a bail bond hearing will be set. The individual will appear before a judge who determines the bail amount.

Once bail is posted, it could take another two to five hours before the individual is released. The individual is given a court date and required to appear, at which time the case moves forward.

Responding To Arrest

Though you can use Memphis Bail bonds to avoid jail time after arrest, you can potentially make the entire situation more difficult. Here are the don’ts of how to respond during Memphis arrests.

What Not To Say

When you are arrested, it is in your best interest to say nothing to the officers. Law enforcement officers will read the Miranda warning, and you should only speak to verbally invoke your right to remain silent. Do not try to explain what is going on or what you are doing. Don’t admit guilt or innocence or point out all the others who were involved. Do not say anything other than you wish to remain silent and that you want to speak to a lawyer. Police officers may try to ask you some questions before you are formally arrested in order to have information on record. Don’t fall for this trap, either.

What Not To Do

If you suspect law enforcement is about to put the cuffs on you, don’t resist. Don’t try to run away or stall the officers by being combative or aggressive. The best thing you can do is comply with any instructions given concerning this arrest. This means allowing yourself to be handcuffed and put in the back of the squad car without incident. You are better off fighting your case in court rather than fighting the officer and the arrest process. It doesn’t matter how minor your evasive or aggressive movements may be; you can be charged with assault on an officer, turning a simple misdemeanor into a serious felony charge.

Do not allow the police to search your car, your home or any other personal property (backpack, purse, etc.) without a warrant. You must make it clear when being arrested that you do not give consent to the police to search your property. Potential evidence found on an unlawful search and seizure could get thrown out. However, if you give consent, whatever the arresting officers find can be used to strengthen your case whether or not you knew the item was there.

What Not To Believe

Police officers are very good at trying to get confessions or information from those in their custody. Do not believe what you hear. Act like everything you are being told is a lie. By not speaking at all, you don’t have to worry about what you say. Your attorney will tell you the charges and what kind of evidence is against you, but these are privileged conversations, and you don’t have to account for what you say to legal counsel.

Do You Need Memphis Bail Bonds Services?

For those trying to avoid jail time in Shelby County, All n One Bail is the company to call. Open 24 hours a day, we are the best at getting people out of jail in the Memphis area. Fill out an online application or call 901-523-2245.