If you are arrested in Maryland and taken to the local police station, you will be “booked.” This is an informal term that means you will be “processed” into the Maryland criminal justice system. 

The top-rated and experienced Maryland criminal defense attorneys here at the Law Office of Robert Castro can help if you have been charged with a crime. Our number is (301) 870-1200, or use our contact page. We are Maryland criminal defense attorneys with offices in Waldorf, Maryland.

The Booking Process

The booking process can be confusing and, sometimes, a bit frightening. However, remain calm. The essence of the process is getting your information and putting that information into the police “book,” which is now all done on computers. The process itself can take a short time, like 30 minutes, or can take longer, depending on how busy the police station is. The process involves several steps, which may take place in different rooms or areas.

Once you are processed, you are able to make your “one phone call.” That is NOT done on YOUR phone (which has already been confiscated), but on the police department’s official phone. Also, you will likely end up waiting for hours even after the booking is finished. Eventually, two things will happen: you might be released by the police, or you might appear before a Commissioner who will make an initial determination about whether you were justly arrested. A Commissioner will also make a decision about whether you can be released on your own recognizance, whether bail can be posted, or whether you stay in jail pending trial.

You can be released by the police on the basis of minor charges. In those cases, generally, you will receive a citation — similar to a traffic ticket. Being released on your own recognizance means that you have signed paperwork stating that you agree to return to the courthouse on the date indicated. In the meantime, you are free to go home. If bail is set, you must pay money to be set free. The money is a guarantee that you will return for your trial, and the money is returned to you if you return to the courthouse for your trial. In the meantime, you are free to go home.

Here are some basics of the booking procedure:

• You will be searched — this will be a strip search and, sometimes, a cavity search; in some cases, “jail clothes” will be issued for you to wear; in other cases, you will be allowed to put on your own clothes
• An officer takes down personal identification information, including name, address, phone number, birth date, and physical features, etc.; this is also the officer who lists out the reason for the arrest and the surrounding events
• A photograph is taken that also indicates height — this is the so-called a “mugshot”
• Fingerprints are taken — these are “run” to check for other arrest warrants
• Where applicable and allowed, a DNA sample is taken, fluids (like blood) are drawn, and/or a urine sample is required
• All personal belongings like your clothes (if applicable), phone, watch or jewelry, keys, wallet or purse, etc., are confiscated, marked and inventoried — these will be returned to you upon your release; you will receive a receipt
• If a vehicle has been impounded, a similar inventory will be taken of the vehicle’s contents — the inventories are done for administrative reasons, but are also done as a means of collecting possible incriminating evidence

Contact Waldorf, Maryland, Criminal Defense Lawyer Robert Castro Today

This article has been provided by the Law Office of Robert Castro. For more information or questions, contact our office to speak to an experienced Maryland criminal defense lawyer at (301) 870-1200. We are Waldorf, MD, Criminal Defense lawyers. Our address is 2670 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD 20601.