The officer takes you a police station, jail or other detention facility.
Just after arriving at the jail, you are allowed to contact an attorney.
You will be advised as to the general charges against you.
You may be required to participate in a lineup, present a sample of your handwriting, speak phrases associated with the crime charged, wear certain clothes and give samples of your hair, blood, etc.
You may be fingerprinted or photographed.
You appear before a magistrate (court official) who will inform you of the charges against you and your rights. At this time, you may find out if you must post bail or if you will be released without bail.
You may be released on bail by posting either cash or a bail bond as security before a court appearance. You also may be released upon personal recognizance (your promise to appear in court when directed). When you are brought before the magistrate, you can also request that the court lower your bail based on your ties in the community, financial resources, employment record or other factors.
Pre-trial release is a way for qualified prisoners to be released without paying a bond. Pre-trial release is a personal bond, or promise, to appear. Tarrant County Pre-trial Release is responsible for gathering and reviewing information about a prisoner to determine whether to release the prisoner from custody. The following minimum qualifications must be met before Pre-trial Release may be considered:
Must be a Virginia resident
Must not be on parole or have any felony convictions
Must be willing to appear in court until the case is completely out of litigation
Must provide positive identification
Must NOT have history of bond forfeitures
A Bail Bond is a written promise (bond) the court accepts from either the person arrested or a third party representing them. The bail bond allows the defendant to remain out of jail until the end of the court case. If the accused does not show up for the court date, the promise is broken, the full amount of bail is owed the court, and a warrant for arrest may be issued.
The fee for a bond agent to post bail is a percentage of the total bail amount set by the jail/court. That percentage is approximately 10% in many cases, depending on the case and the individual signing the bond. In many cases, you can secure a bond with a signature or personal guarantee. In other circumstances, collateral is held until conditions of the bond are met. Collateral is returned at the conclusion of the court case.