For most criminal offenses, law enforcement officials can arrest and detain a person for 24 hours before the prosecuting attorney must file charges. At that point, the person must be released if charges are not filed. When that government attorney does charge the man or woman with a crime, a bail amount typically will be set. Many defendants need the assistance of a 24 Hour Bail Bondsman in Silver Spring MD to obtain their release.
Longer Detainment Without Charges
Officials also can appeal to hold the individual for 72 hours if they believe more evidence is forthcoming but they still do not have enough to make valid charges against this person. This may be important if the person seems to be a flight risk or likely to cause harm to someone if released. They may be waiting for a judge to approve a request for a search warrant, for example.
Police Questioning After Arrest
The police are required to inform the arrested person that he or she has the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Police can continue to question this individual even if they only receive a refusal to respond. Once the person requests a lawyer, police must stop their questioning.
The Setting of Bail
After charges are filed, bail is either set by an automatic schedule or by a judge. Depending on the type of offense and the person’s criminal record, a judge may decide not to allow release on bail. If bail is granted, the defendant may contact a 24 hour bail bondsman in Silver Spring MD if the amount is unaffordable. This person, or a friend or relative, may contact an organization such as Pantazes Bail Bonds Agency Inc to get started on the application.
After Release
Bail or bond remains in effect throughout the process until the case ends unless the defendant runs away. That even includes the time after a conviction at trial and while an appeal is ongoing. If the defendant flees, another arrest warrant is issued and the individual is brought back. Being released again on bail or bond is extremely unlikely.