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How To Get Arrested: 
A brief guide to being taken into custody by law enforcement

How the Arrest and Booking Process works in Ouachita Parish

The Arrest

     Nobody expects to get arrested, but it happens every day.  If it does, the way you handle yourself i those first few hours can make a big difference.  Staying calm, knowing your rights, and making smart choices will help you get through the process with the least amount of hassle and damage.  When law enforcement has decided that they're going to arrest you, there's not much you can do to make the situation better, but if you're not careful you can certainly make things more difficult for yourself.  

     The first rule is simple:  Stay calm and respectful.  Don't argue, don't resist, and don't say anything more than you have to.  If that.  If you're lucky and you're right, you may be able to win an argument with a police officer in court, but it's pretty much impossible to win an arugment with them on the side of the road.  Remember, the bar for resisting arrest is set pretty low.  That's an additional charge that will make it more expensive to bond out.

     You don't have to answer questions beyond basic identifying information.  Remember, anything you say can and will be used against you, so it's usually best not to say anything at all.  Tell the officers you want a lawyer, and then stop talking until you get one.  

Transport to Jail

     If you're arrested by Monroe City Police, West Monroe City Police, or Ouachita Parish Sherriff's Office, you're going to be booked at the Ouachita Correctional Center.  If you were arrested while driving, you may want to take this opportunity to ask the arresting officer which tow company (if any) towed your car.  You'll need this information to get your car our of impound when you get out.

     Other than that, it's best to keep quiet on the ride there.  

 

The Booking Process

     When you get to the jail, you will go through the booking process, including mugshots and fingerprints.  As part of the booking process, they will take all your property.  Including your cell phone.  This is where a lot of people get stuck because you're going to need a co-signer and most of us don't have phone numbers memorized any more.  Ask the officer is you can write a couple of phone numbers down before they take you phone.    

Waiting For Bond

     Once you've gone through the booking process, you'll be sent to a holding cell and given the chance to make a phone call.  Depending on the charges, your bond may be set from the bond schedule, in which case you'll know pretty quickly how much it is, or for more serious charges you may have to go before a judge to have your bond set.  This can sometimes take several hours up to a day or so before you would be able to bond out.  Your best bet is to call Bayou Bail Bonds and get your list of phone numbers to us.  We can monitor your situation and get in touch with your co-signers to make sure we're ready to move as soon as your bond is set.

Getting Out of Jail

     That covers getting arrested.  Once you're bond has been set on all charges, you're ready to get out.  See our page on How to Get Out of Jail for more information on how the bail bonds process works. 

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