Seattle, WA asked in Criminal Law for Washington

Q: Should be ready to go to jail tommorow at my arrainment

I'd theft2

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
Natalie Lynn Durflinger
Natalie Lynn Durflinger
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Tacoma, WA
  • Licensed in Washington

A: Whether or not you should be prepared to go to jail at your arraignment depends on a lot of factors. First, I recommend consulting with an attorney prior to arraignment. Most criminal attorneys, like myself, offer free consultations. In determining whether to release someone on their personal recognizance or take someone into custody on bail, the judge will be considering how likely is it that you will return to court for your next appearance and will the community be safe if you are released.

In determining whether you are likely to appear for your next scheduled hearing, the court will consider your criminal history (or lack of criminal history). If someone has a lengthy criminal history with lots of cases with warrant activity due to failures to appear, it is more likely that the court will order bail. In determining if the community will be at risk, the court will consider your history and the nature of the charge (whether it is a violent or dangerous offense). One of the reasons it is important to consult with an attorney prior to arraignment is that often we can advise you on steps that you can take to reduce the chances of your being taken into custody. The judge is supposed to impose the least restrictive means to insure your return and protect the public. Often there are alternatives such as Electronic Home Monitoring or pretrial supervision that we can argue for instead of jail.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.