Being arrested can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time or if you’re trying to help a friend or family member. Knowing what happens next can make a stressful situation a little easier to navigate. AAA Bail Bonds is here to help with a simple breakdown of what typically happens after an arrest in Minnesota.
Arrest and Booking
After an arrest, the individual is taken to a local jail for booking. This process includes:
- Fingerprinting and photographs (often referred to as mug shots)
- Recording personal information
- Checking for outstanding warrants
- Placing the individual in a holding cell
This stage of the process can take several hours, depending on the jail, time of day, and staffing.
Bail
In Minnesota, bail is often set at the first hearing (bail hearing) after booking. Hearings are held only during normal business hours during the week (excluding federal holidays), but bail can occasionally be set over a weekend for specific charges, such as a DWI or DAC. Bail is a financial guarantee that the defendant will appear in court. Depending on the charge, bail may be set at a fixed amount or denied altogether in rare cases involving serious charges.
If bail is set, there are two main options:
- Pay the full bail amount in cash
- Work with a licensed bail bondsman
A bail bond is a financial agreement between a bail bond company (known as the surety), like AAA Bail Bonds, and a defendant’s family or friends, allowing them to secure release without paying the full bail amount up front. The amount paid to the bail bond company by the defendant or their cosigner is 10% of the total bail amount. The bail bond company guarantees the defendant will attend all required court hearings.
Release From Jail
Once bail is posted, release time can vary from a few hours to longer, depending on jail processing. Using an experienced bail bond agency like AAA Bail Bonds can help avoid delays and ensure paperwork is handled correctly, enabling defendants to return home faster while awaiting their court dates. AAA Bail Bonds is available day or night, with locations all over Minnesota to help you or your loved one get out of jail as quickly as possible.
Court Appearances and Trial
After being released from jail, the defendant must:
- Attend all scheduled court dates
- Follow any conditions of release
- Stay in contact with their bail bondsman
Missing a court date can result in additional charges and loss of bail. If this happens, the bail bondsman must return the defendant to custody or pay the full amount to the court.
Case Resolution
Once the case moves through the court process, the result could be a dismissal of charges, a guilty plea, or a trial that results in a verdict. When the court case is over, the bond is discharged by the Court. If collateral was collected, it is returned at this time, provided all obligations were met, and no costs were incurred due to forfeiture. The premium paid to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and covers the cost of posting the bond and assuming liability for the defendant’s appearance in court.
AAA Bail Bonds is Here to Help
When an arrest happens, AAA Bail Bonds understands that time matters. We provide:
- Day and night bail bond services
- Multiple locations across Minnesota
- Fast, professional assistance
- Clear expectations during a stressful time
- Resources that will help guide you through the legal process
If you or a loved one has been arrested in Minnesota, call AAA Bail Bonds today at 612-900-3400 for fast, reliable bail bond services across the state. Whether dealing with a DUI, misdemeanor, or felony arrest, our team is ready to help you understand your options and secure release as quickly as possible.
