After booking in jail, several key steps occur to process the individual and determine their immediate future.

Here’s an outline of what typically happens…

Intake and Booking Process

• Personal Information Recording – The individual’s personal information (name, date of birth, address) is recorded.
• Photograph and Fingerprints – The individual is photographed (mugshot) and fingerprinted. These records are entered into the criminal database.
• Search and Confiscation – A search is conducted, and personal belongings are confiscated and inventoried. These items are returned upon release unless they are evidence.

Medical and Mental Health Screening

• Health Assessment – A medical screening is conducted to identify any immediate health concerns, contagious diseases, or mental health issues.
• STD Testing – Depending on the facility, STD and other health screenings may be performed during intake.

Background Check and Warrants

• Background Check – The individual’s criminal history is reviewed, and any outstanding warrants are checked.
• Warrants – If there are outstanding warrants, the individual may face additional charges or be transferred to the jurisdiction where the warrant was issued.

Determining Charges and Bail

• Charge Notification – The individual is informed of the charges against them.
• Bail Determination – A decision is made regarding bail. This can occur during the initial booking or at a subsequent bail hearing. Factors considered include the severity of the offense, criminal history, and flight risk.

Placement in a Holding Cell

• Temporary Holding – The individual is placed in a holding cell or general population while awaiting their first court appearance. This could be a short-term stay or longer, depending on the circumstances.
• Classification – Based on the individual’s criminal history, behavior, and other factors, they are classified and assigned to an appropriate housing unit within the facility.

Initial Court Appearance

• Arraignment – The individual will appear in court for an arraignment, where the charges are formally presented, and they can enter a plea.
• Public Defender – If the individual cannot afford an attorney, a public defender may be assigned at this stage.
• Bail Hearing – If not already set, a bail hearing may be conducted to determine whether the individual can be released on bail and, if so, the amount.

Communication and Visitation

• Phone Calls – The individual may be allowed to make phone calls to inform family, friends, or legal counsel of their situation.
• Visitation – Policies on visitation vary by facility. Friends and family may be able to visit, subject to the jail’s rules and schedules.

Ongoing Detention or Release

• Release on Bail –  If bail is posted, the individual can be released pending their court date.
• Pre-Trial Detention –  If bail is denied or cannot be posted, the individual remains in jail until their trial or until further legal proceedings determine their status.

After booking, an individual goes through a series of steps designed to process them into the jail system, assess their health and legal status, and determine their housing and bail status. This process ensures that the individual is properly identified, any immediate health or safety concerns are addressed, and legal procedures are initiated. The individual will either be released on bail or remain in custody until their next court appearance.