Following an arrest in Durham, North Carolina, a criminal suspect is taken to the local jail or detention center to await their first appearance. At that time, the suspect will also be booked into the jail system. Often times, a suspect cannot be released or post bail until the booking process is complete. Depending on how busy the prison is or how many other people are being booked, the booking process can take a while. But what exactly happens during booking?
The Booking Process in Durham
Generally, each jail or detention center has its own policies and procedures in how to go about booking a suspect. However, the following steps are generally seen in the booking process of most jails or detention centers:
- Recording information about the suspect and the crime of which they are accused;
- Taking a mug shot;
- Taking into custody and inventorying the suspect’s clothing and property;
- Taking fingerprints;
- Undergoing a full body search;
- Looking up the suspect’s criminal history;
- Taking a medical exam;
- Gathering information about any medical conditions or personal problems; and
- Taking a DNA sample.
Booking Issues
As it can be seen, the booking process is fairly self-explanatory. If you are faced with the prospect of being booked, it is important to know what the process is like and what to expect. Although you may feel like your personal dignity is being violated, you will be booked regardless of whether you resist or actively engage. As such, by listening to commands and being polite and responsive, you may be able to speed up the process and make it easier on yourself and the people responsible for booking you.
Contact Us
If you or someone you know have been charged with a crime, it is important to consult with an experienced Durham DUI defense attorney that can help zealously defend your case. Contact Us at Minick Law, P.C. for a free consultation on your case.