What Happens When You Get Arrested in North Carolina

If you are arrested in North Carolina, several things could happen. Depending on the severity of the charge, you may be released with a warning or taken into custody and have to post bail. This blog post will discuss what happens when you get arrested in North Carolina and the possible consequences you may face. We will also discuss how bail bonds work and how they can help you get out of jail.

What Happens When You Get Arrested?

If you are arrested in North Carolina, many things will happen to you. Let’s go through them one by one

1. The Officer Will Read You Your Miranda Rights

When you are arrested, the officer will read you your Miranda rights. These rights include the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. You should exercise these rights when you are arrested. These rights exist to protect you from self-incrimination.

If the officer does not read your Miranda rights, anything you say after that can and will be used against you in court. So, you must remain silent until you have an attorney present.

An attorney can help you navigate the criminal justice system and protect your rights. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you.

2. You Will Be Booked

After you are read your Miranda rights, you will be “booked.” This is the process where the police collect your personal information and take your mugshot. You will also be searched and have your belongings taken away from you.

The booking process can take a few hours, or it may happen overnight, depending on when you are arrested. After you are booked, you will be taken to a holding cell. This is where you will stay until your bail hearing.

3. You Will Have a Bail Hearing

A bail hearing is a court hearing where the judge will decide if you can be released on bail. Bail is money you pay to the court to be released from jail. Bail’s purpose is to ensure that you show up for your court date.

The amount of bail will be based on several factors, including the severity of the charge and your criminal history. The judge may deny bail altogether if you are deemed a flight risk or a danger to the community.

If you are granted bail, you will have to pay the amount set by the judge to be released from jail. You can pay the court directly or use a bail bond company.

4. You Will Be Released on Bail or Remain in Custody

If you are released on bail, you will be given a date to appear in court. You will also be given certain conditions for your release. For example, you may have to surrender your passport or stay within the state.

If you fail to meet the conditions of your release or fail to appear in court, your bail will be forfeited, and a warrant will be issued for your arrest. If you cannot afford bail, you will remain in custody until your trial. Depending on the court’s schedule, this can take months or even years.

5. You Will Have Your Day in Court

Everyone is entitled to a day in court. This is where you will be tried for the crime you are accused of. If you are found guilty, you will be sentenced accordingly. The sentence can range from probation to jail time.

You will be released if you are not guilty, and your record will be deleted. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the court system and give you the best chance of a favorable outcome.

6. You May Be Sentenced to Probation

Probation is a sentence imposed by the court instead of jail time. Probationary sentences are common in North Carolina. If you are sentenced to probation, you will be required to meet certain conditions set by the court. These conditions may include drug testing, meeting with a probation officer, and attending counseling.

If you violate the conditions of your probation, you may be sent to jail. Probation typically lasts for one to three years. Upon completion of probation, the charges against you will be dismissed.

An experienced attorney can help you navigate the probation process and ensure that you comply with the conditions of your sentence. Probation is a much preferable sentence to jail time, and an attorney can help you get the best possible outcome.

How Bail Bonds Work in North Carolina

If you are arrested and cannot afford bail, you may be able to use a bail bond company. Bail bond companies post bail on your behalf in exchange for a fee. The fee is typically a percentage of the total bail amount.

For example, if your bail is set at $5000, the bail bond company may charge you $750 to post bail. If you fail to appear in court, the bail bond company will forfeit the bail and may send a bounty hunter after you.

The state of North Carolina regulates bail bond companies. The NC Department of Insurance must license bail bond agents. Bail bond companies typically charge a fee of 15% of the bail amount.

How do Bail Bonds Help You In Getting Out of Jail?

Bail bonds are a type of insurance that bail bond companies use to post bail on your behalf. Bail bond companies typically charge a fee of 15 percent of the bail amount.

This fee is non-refundable, even if you are found not guilty, or your case is dismissed. Bail bonds help you get out of jail so you can continue working and supporting your family.

Bail bonds also help to ensure that you will appear in court. If you fail to appear in court, the bail bond company will forfeit the bail and may send a bounty hunter after you.

If you are facing charges in North Carolina, you must contact an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the court system. An attorney can help you understand your rights and give you the best chance of a favorable outcome.

Conclusion

We are a full-service bail bond company serving all of North Carolina. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help you or your loved ones get out of jail.

We understand that being arrested can be a stressful and confusing experience. Our experienced and professional team will work with you to ensure that you understand the bail process and comply with the conditions of your release.

If you are facing charges in North Carolina, contact us today for a free consultation. We will help you understand your rights and guide you through the bail process. Give us a call today.