DWI Booking
There are several steps in the DWI process. The first step is the initial traffic stop. During the stop, the police officer will look for signs of intoxication, including the driver’s appearance, behavior, and performance on the field sobriety tests. If the officer gathers enough evidence to prove that the driver is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, an arrest will be made.After the arrest comes DWI booking. During booking, you will be brought to the jail for processing. This means that the officer will record your personal information, such as your name and date of birth. He or she will also record information about the offense with which you are being charged.
A record search will be performed. This search is used to learn more about your criminal background and to see if you have any outstanding warrants for your arrest.
You will also be fingerprinted and photographed. Your fingerprints and photograph, known as a mug shot, will be entered into a database.
After processing is complete, your personal property will be confiscated and held until you are released. You will then be searched, issued a change of clothing, and placed into a holding cell or local jail.
Depending on your charge, you may be released on bail. Bail is a set amount of money that you must pay to be released from police custody. One of the conditions of bail is that you show up in court for your scheduled appearances, such as arraignment. If you do not show up to court, your bail money is forfeited and a warrant may be issued for your arrest.
If you cannot afford bail, you may contact a bail bonds agency. Bond is a guarantee that the full amount of bail must be paid if you skip out on any court appearances. A bail bonds agency typically charges 10 percent of the bail amount and may demand collateral, such as a house or car, in case you do not show up to court.
In some cases, you may be released on your “own recognizance.” This means that you promise to return to court for future proceedings. The judge may look at certain factors, such as your criminal background, before deciding whether you grant own recognizance release. If you fail to show up to court, you may be arrested and denied further chances for bail.
If you have questions regarding DWI booking, you should contact an experienced DWI defense attorney in your area today.
