What Happens During the Booking Process for Drug Possession Charges

Getting arrested for drug possession can be overwhelming and confusing. Knowing what happens during the booking process can help you be prepared and avoid costly mistakes. This guide breaks down the steps of the booking process and why hiring a drug possession defense lawyer is key to protecting your rights.

Booking Process Begins After Initial Arrest and Transport to Jail

The booking process starts immediately after an arrest. Once the officers take you into custody, you will be taken to a local police station or detention facility.

What Happens During Transport?

• They may ask you questions, but you have the right to remain silent.
• You’ll be put in the back of a police car, often handcuffed.
• The drive to the station is usually short but can be longer if you were arrested in a rural area.

Stay calm, and don’t make statements that can be used against you in court.

Collecting Personal Information and Charges

Once you get to the station, officers will collect important information about you and your charges.

This info goes into a database and becomes part of your criminal record.

Fingerprinting and Photographing

After collecting your info, officers will take your fingerprints and mugshot.

Fingerprinting

• Fingerprints are scanned electronically or taken with ink.
• Sent to state and federal databases to check for prior arrests.
• If you have outstanding warrants, law enforcement will be notified.

Mugshot

• A series of photos will be taken from different angles.
• Your mugshot becomes part of the official arrest record.
• Depending on state laws, these photos may be public.

Searching and Seizing Personal Belongings

Before putting you in a holding cell, officers will search you and seize your belongings.

Items Taken

• Wallet, cash and credit cards: Held until release.
• Cell phone: Often held as evidence or stored for safekeeping.
• Jewelry and personal accessories: Returned upon release.
• Illegal substances or weapons: Held as evidence for prosecution.

You’ll receive a receipt of the items taken and you’ll sign for it.

Checking for Warrants

During booking, law enforcement will run a background check to see if you have any warrants.

Outcomes

• No Warrants: Booking continues as usual.
• Active Warrants: You may get additional charges or be transferred to another facility.
• Previous Criminal Record: May affect bail and sentencing.

Having a drug possession defense lawyer early on can help minimize issues from prior offenses.

Medical and Mental Health Screening

Depending on the jail’s policy, you may be medically screened.

Purpose of Screening

• Identify any immediate health concerns.
• Determine if medical attention is needed.
• Assess mental health to prevent self-harm.

In some cases, individuals with substance abuse issues may be placed under medical observation.

Holding Cell or Jail

After booking, you’ll be placed in a holding cell or in the general population.

Holding Cell Conditions

• Small and shared with other detainees.
• Cold and uncomfortable.
• Can be several hours or overnight.

If bail isn’t granted immediately, you may be moved to a jail cell, where you’ll stay until your court date.

Bail and Release Options

After booking, you may have the option to post bail and be released.

Types of Bail

• Cash Bail: Pay the full amount set by the judge.
• Bail Bond: A bail bondsman pays a percentage of the total bail.
• Personal Recognizance: Release without payment, based on the trust that you’ll show up to court.

A drug possession defense lawyer can fight for lower bail or alternative release options.

Arraignment and First Illinois Court Appearance

After booking is the arraignment, where you’ll appear before a judge.

What Happens at Arraignment?

• The judge will read the charges.
• You’ll be asked to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest).
• Bail may be reconsidered.

A court date for trial or pre-trial hearings will be set.

Contact a Chicago Drug Possession Lawyer If You Have Been Charged

Having a lawyer at this stage is crucial for making informed decisions about your plea and defense strategy. Drug possession charges can be scary, but you don’t have to go through it alone. An experienced Chicago drug possession defense lawyer can help you through the process, protect your rights and work towards the best outcome.

If you or a loved one has been arrested, contact Azhari LLC for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does booking take?

Varies but can take a few hours to over 12 hours depending on the jail’s workload and procedures.

2. Can I refuse fingerprinting or a mugshot?

No. These are standard booking procedures and refusing may result in additional charges.

3. What happens to my personal belongings after booking?

They are stored securely and returned to you when you’re released, except for any illegal items.

4. Can I be released without posting bail?

In some cases judges will release on personal recognizance, meaning you promise to return to court without posting bail.

5. What should I do as soon as I’m released?

Get a drug possession defense lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case and start building your defense.