Being arrested for a drug-related crime can be a traumatic experience, but the process might seem less intimidating if you know what to expect. Here is a brief rundown of the process in the event that you or someone you are close to is ever arrested on a drug-related charge and needs to take advantage of drug bail bonds in Angleton.
Booking
After someone is arrested for a drug-related incident, they are taken to the local police station or a jail in the area of their arrest. The first step of the process is booking, which can include the individual being photographed, searched and interviewed about medical history and any pre-existing health conditions. The individual will also have to provide fingerprints that will be added to the computer system and subsequently compared against other records to see if there are any outstanding cases or warrants. Be advised that the booking process is extensive and taxing, and oftentimes takes a while to complete.
Arraignment
The next step of the process is arraignment, which typically happens within 48 hours of an arrest. The defendant appears in front of the judge with either a private attorney or court-appointed lawyer, and they are advised of the charges and enter their plea. At this point, the judge will decide if bail needs to be set, and what this amount will be.
The judge takes several factors into consideration when setting the bail, including any prior contact with law enforcement involving drug-related charges, or if this individual is deemed a flight risk. The nature and seriousness of the drug offense is also taken into consideration, and depending on the specific circumstances, they might be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, which will also have a bearing on how much the bail will be. Unless the case is one in which the judge cannot or will not set bail, this individual will be processed and released on bail until their court date.
Types of drug charges
Obtaining a small amount of certain drugs is considered a misdemeanor, but having more than the specified amount of these types of drugs could be considered possession with intent to distribute, which is a much more serious charge that bumps the level of this crime up to a felony. The location of the arrest also comes into the picture for drug crimes. If someone is arrested with a sizeable amount of drugs on their person within 1,500 feet of a school or some other type of drug-free zone, it is considered an aggravating factor, and this would also be considered a felony, which can directly impact bail amounts.
Felony drug charges carry stiff bail amounts, and families might need to seek out additional help to meet them. For assistance with handling drug bail bonds in Angleton for a family or member or loved one, contact Brazoria County Bail Bonds. With more than 20 years of experience in dealing with bonds of all kinds, we have the expertise needed to help get your family member home so they can begin preparing their defense. Please give us a call right away to get the assistance you need.