The Arrest Process
Being arrested can be a frightening and confusing experience, especially if you do not know what to expect. Will your arrest be like they are on TV shows? If it’s different, how is it different? These are questions that might be running through your mind. Understanding the arrest process can help prepare you for what is to come and understand your rights. If you feel that a police officer does not follow protocol during your arrest or while processing you at the police station, you should contact a lawyer immediately.
A typical arrest process in the state of Connecticut should look like this:
1. A crime is committed and reported to the police.
2. The police respond to the crime
3. Charges for the crime are identified
4. An investigation is begun
5. Probable cause is established
6. An arrest is made or an arrest warrant is applied for
If the arrest is made without a warrant:
• The charges will be identified and refined
• The booking process will take place
• The suspect’s rights will be read to him or her
• The suspect’s fingerprints will be taken by AFIS
• Photographs/mug shots will be taken and entered into the COGENT system
• The suspect’s criminal history will be established
• The subject will be interviewed and information about the suspect and the crime will be entered in the NEXGEN system
• The suspect is officially charged
• The suspect is allowed to make a phone call. At this point, it is in the subject’s best interest to contact a lawyer, a bail bondsman, or a family member/friend who can contact a legal representative for the suspect
• The suspect will have the opportunity to meet with a lawyer and/or bail bondsman
• A bail hearing will take place and bail will be set or denied
• The subject will be released from jail until the arraignment in court or held in jail until his or her court appearance
The process for an arrest with a warrant can be slightly different. Before an arrest can be made:
• An arrest warrant affidavit has to be applied for
• The State’s Attorney reviews and potentially revises the request
• The affidavit is presented to a Judge
• The Judge signs the affidavit, making it a warrant
• An arrest can then be made, and the suspect will undergo the booking process mentioned above
If you have been arrested for a crime in Connecticut, you need to be proactive about contacting a Connecticut lawyer and a Connecticut bail bondsman. It is also in your best interest to cooperate with the police. This will improve a Judge’s perception of your character and make him or her more likely to grant you bail. If you cannot pay for bail alone, consider getting someone to cosign the bail bond, or you can hire a bail bondsman by calling 860-420-2245. If you are released from jail with conditions of your bail bond, it is important that you follow these restrictions. For more information, you can contact Connecticut Bail Bonds or you can leave us a comment below, and we’ll be happy to get back to you.
