If I Am Arrested, What Happens Next? What Are the Police Going to Say or Do to Me?
A. Arrest![handcuffs]()
When you are arrested, you are legally in custody. Anytime you are in custody, the police must read you your Miranda warnings (which we discuss in more detail in the next section). Often the police will read you those Miranda warnings as soon as, or shortly after, you are arrested.
B. Transport
The police will then usually place you in the back of a police cruiser while they are executing any searches or administrative duties that they need to do. You will then be transported to the jail or the police station.
C. Questioning
There may be some informal questioning going on while you are in the cruiser. Once you get to the jail or the police station, the police may question you formally. They will probably ask you questions like, “where did you get the drugs?” “who do you get your supply from?” “how long have you been using?” etc. Remember, you have a right to remain silent, exercise that right. Do not answer their questions. Simply and clearly state, “I would like to speak to an attorney.”
D. Booking
After the questioning, the police may either book you into the jail to await an arraignment (bond) hearing in front of a judge, or they may cite you to court. The biggest factor on whether you are cited to court or booked into jail is the level of the offense with which you are charged. The more serious the charge, the more likely you are to be booked into jail.
Once you are in the jail, the police may return later to question you again. Once again, do not speak to the police without a lawyer present.
E. Post Arraignment
Once your arraignment hearing is over, a bond will be set, which can be posted to secure your release. If you are released it is important that you return to court and keep in touch with your attorney. Failure to appear in court will result in the bond being forfeited. That means someone is going to lose the money that they posted for you to get out of jail. Also, failure to appear in court will result in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest.
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If you are facing criminal charges, you need to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Cincinnati office directly at 513-929-9333 to schedule your free consultation.
