QUESTION
Does bail mean an arrest was put on her record?
Asked on Feb 22nd, 2012 on Criminal Law - New Hampshire
More details to this question:
My friend was caught shoplifting (being charged with willful concealment) and had to go to the police department. She had to sign bail conditions while awaiting arraignment. Having interned with a police department, the only people I saw get bail were people who had been arrested. Do her signing bail conditions mean an arrest was put on her record, and that she otherwise would have gone to jail? And happens at and after the arraignment?
2 ANSWERS
Criminal Law Attorney serving Salem, NH
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Law Office of Patrick E. Donovan, PLLC
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Yes. An arrest will be on her record. At the arraignment she will be asked for a plea. The prosecution will offer her a deal, probably a fine of $300 or so if she pleads guilty. Or she can fight it. Of course if the theft is at a felony, all bets are off and they may seek jail time, depending on her existing record.
Answered on Feb 27th, 2012 at 12:06 PM
Criminal Law Attorney serving Lancaster, NH
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Harden Law Office
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Yes she was arrested. Arraignment is first court appearance.
Answered on Feb 27th, 2012 at 11:27 AM