If you have just been arrested in Massachusetts, you are probably very confused, nervous, scared, and wondering what comes next. This is what you need to know if you have just been arrested in Massachusetts.
How Does Bail in Massachusetts Work?
Anyone arrested can post bail at the police station. Bail is normally personal recognizance. Personal recognizance is someone’s promise to appear in court. The court date is usually the next day. Also, the person arrested must pay a nonrefundable fee of $40. This fee pays the bail commissioner or clerk to come to the police station after hours.
In Massachusetts, the bail commissioner or clerk can set a cash bail. Bail is money. Unlike other states, Massachusetts does not have bail bonds. A cash bail costs the amount of the bail. Serious charges may result in a cash bail. Finally, anyone can post bail at the station.
What’s an Arraignment In Massachusetts?
If you are arrested in Massachusetts, attending an arraignment is mandatory. An arraignment is a hearing where a judge formally charges you with a crime. At the arraignment, bail or release conditions may be determined. Even if you have already paid $40 at the police station, bail can still be imposed. In court, the District Attorney may request a cash bail, and the judge may also impose release conditions. These conditions may include drug testing, no victim abuse, or maintaining a distance from the victim.
More on what happens at an arraignment.
Massachusetts Arraignment Advice
- Arrive at the courthouse early
- Check into the Probation Department as soon as you get to court. If you don’t check in they may not call your case.
- Leave the cellphone at home or in the car- some courts do not allow cell phones in the building.
- Dress as respectable as possible.
- Men-
- Men Should Wear to Court -Slacks, dress shoes, belt button-down shirt tie and jacket.
- Should Never Wear to Court – Shorts, T-Shirt, Sneakers, Flip Flops,
- Women
- Women should wear conservative clothes to court like pants, sweater, minimal jewelry
- Should not wear clothes to the court that show mid-drift, excessive cleavage, lots of jewelry
What Happens After the Arraignment?
After the arraignment, a specific date is chosen for the pretrial conference, which should not be mistaken for an actual trial. During this hearing, your attorney and the prosecutor will have an opportunity to discuss the case, exchange evidence, and negotiate a potential plea deal. It’s important to note that complex cases might necessitate multiple pretrial conferences to address various aspects of the proceedings.
Can I just plead Guilty after being arrested in Massachusetts?
I strongly discourage it because a guilty plea results in a conviction, and even if the prosecutor suggests a fine and a guilty plea, there may be further repercussions. For instance, if you plead guilty to driving with a suspended license, your license will be automatically suspended for an additional 60 days by the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Therefore, if you are considering a guilty plea, it is crucial to consult with an attorney before proceeding.
The Best Massachusetts Criminal Attorney
Massachusetts Criminal Lawyer Patrick Donovan provides the best criminal defense in Massachusetts. Also, he can fight against felony or misdemeanor criminal charges. Also, Attorney Donovan can fight for you every step of the way.
Attorney Patrick T. Donovan represents people who have been accused of criminal offenses in Boston, Quincy, and throughout the state of Massachusetts. Patrick T. Donovan fights for the best possible outcome for each and every one of our clients.
Call the Law Office of Patrick T. Donovan today for your initial consultation at 617 479-1800
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