What happens when you are charged with any type of crime?

Usually, the first thing that happens when you’re charged with a crime is you’ll be taken into custody at a police station. There, you’ll be taken for fingerprinting, processing, and questioning. Before the police begin questioning you, they’ll read you your rights, including your right to remain silent and your right to a lawyer. You can exercise these rights immediately, and you can also invoke them during the questioning.

To be released from police custody, you will have to post bail. Sometimes, you’ll be asked to do this by signing a signature bond, which is a written promise to appear in court. Other times, you’ll be asked to provide a cash bond or a secured surety bond – a bond that includes property, like your house or car. You will then be given a date to appear in court.