DUI Booking and Jail

A DUI arrest consists of many events. The first event is the traffic stop. In order to pull a driver over on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the officer must have probable cause. During the traffic stop, the police officer attempts to gather evidence to determine whether a DUI arrest can be made. If an arrest is made, the suspect then faces DUI booking and jail.

Following the arrest, the arrestee is brought to the booking room at a police station or inmate reception center. The officer will search the arrestee before the handcuffs may be removed. His or her belongings are then inventoried.

Everyone who is arrested and taken to a police station is “booked” into a database. This is to determine whether the arrestee gave his or her true identity or if he or she is wanted for a crime somewhere else.

Booking also creates a record of the arrest in the database. The arrestee is fingerprinted with automated fingerprint equipment. This fingerprinting system sends a copy of the arrestee’s fingerprints to the Department of Justice in mere seconds. This confirms the identity of the arrestee, and is useful if his or her identity is in question.

The arrestee also has his or her photo taken. This photo may be shown to other law enforcement agencies and can be used in investigations or video lineups.

If the arrestee has been arrested for drinking and driving, a breath alcohol test will then be administered.

It is during booking that the officer determines if the arrestee may be released on his or her own recognizance or if cash bail is required. If the suspect is not eligible for bail, he or she will be evaluated and receive a cell assignment.

If the arrestee must remain in the detention center, he or she will be issued clothing. In some cases, the arrestee must be strip searched by a guard of the same sex before the clothes are issued. There is a shower located in the changing room that may be used before getting dressed.

It is during this time that the arrestee’s clothing is inventoried and put in storage. If the arrestee had money when he or she was booked, it is put into a trust account, which can be used to buy items from the jail.

If you have recently faced DUI booking and jail, it is important to contact an experienced defense lawyer as soon as possible.