Being arrested is often portrayed as a somewhat fast procedure on TV. We often see the police slap handcuffs on someone, and that is that. However, in real life, the arrest process is more drawn out and complex. While handcuffing someone and taking them to the police station is the beginning of the arrest, there are numerous other steps to process a suspect in jail.

How long it takes to be processed after a suspect is taken into custody will vary from case to case. Less severe cases involving non-violent offenders with minimal criminal histories will likely be processed faster. If the alleged offender is more serious, or if victims are allegedly badly injured, the police may take more time. Een so, there is a time limit on how long the police have until charges must be assessed or the suspect must be released, and you should call a lawyer for help as soon as possible.

Obtain a private, free case evaluation from our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers by calling the Liberty Law Team at (215) 826-3314.

The Time it Takes to Process a Suspect in a Philadelphia Jail

Being processed might take some time, depending on the circumstances surrounding your arrest. The police may be handling numerous cases simultaneously, and some may be put on the back burner while others receive more attention.

How long it takes to be processed in jail after an arrest depends on the nature of the alleged offense. If you are arrested for a relatively minor, non-violent offense, the police might focus on more severe cases first and get to you later. As such, you might wait for several hours before the police speak to you.

Processing may also slow down if an arrested suspect has a lengthy criminal record or provides the police with a false name. The police may need to spend more time reviewing records or determining the suspect’s real name.

Processing may also depend on how cooperative the suspect is with law enforcement. The police may need details about your life, including your name, age, address, and other biographical information. If you are forthcoming, you may be processed quickly. If you refuse to cooperate, processing will take more time.

When the Police Have to Release You From Jail After Arrest

After a suspect is arrested for an alleged crime, prosecutors have only so much time to file charges. If the police cannot present enough evidence to prosecutors to justify criminal charges, our Northeast Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers can argue for your release.

Typically, after arrest, a suspect must be charged within about 48 hours or else they must be released. The police cannot detain someone indefinitely while they try to drum up more evidence. Additionally, a defendant must have their initial appearance and bail hearing within about 72 hours of arrest. These times may be longer to account for holidays and weekends.

When the Police Have to Let You Call a Lawyer From Jail in Philadelphia

One of the first questions people often ask the police after being arrested is about when they can call a lawyer. While the police are supposed to let you call someone to help you, it might not happen right away, depending on how long processing and booking take.

Remember, it might take some time for the police to process you and take you through the booking process. However, they often must give suspects the chance to call a lawyer before they begin custodial interrogation.

Custodial interrogation must start with your Miranda rights, including your right to remain silent and have a lawyer present. Invoke these rights clearly and directly, and the police must give you the chance to call a lawyer.

What Happens When You Are Processed in Jail?

Being processed involves the police trying to obtain specific information about the person they just arrested. This is often done to ensure officer safety and to check the suspect’s criminal background.

First, the police must accurately determine who they have in custody. They may ask for numerous biographical details, including your name, age, address, and place of employment. Usually, this information is not meant to be incriminating, so you should not worry too much about giving it to the police.

The police may also conduct fingerprinting. They will fingerprint you, and your prints will be saved in their database.

The police may have you wait while they run a check on your background. They usually want to know if you have been arrested before or if you have a history of violence. Not only that, but they may also check for things like outstanding warrants.

What to Do if the Police Take Too Long to Process Someone in Jail?

While the police do not exactly have to rush once they take someone into custody, they should not hold you for more than 72 hours without prosecutors pressing charges. If you are detained for longer than 72 hours and there are still no formal charges, call an attorney immediately.

Your attorney may be able to go to the courts and get you released. We can demand that the authorities explain why you are still being detained and whether any charges are being assessed against you. If they cannot come up with an explanation, the court may order that you be released.

However, this may not prevent prosecutors from filing charges against you later if the police uncover additional evidence.

How to Protect Yourself When the Police Process You in Jail in Philadelphia

When you are being processed, there are ways in which you can protect yourself until your lawyer can come to your aid.

Avoid answering any questions that are not about your identity. While you are required to answer biographical questions during the booking process, you do not have to say anything else. It can be tempting to try to explain yourself to the authorities, but remain silent and wait for your lawyer.

Once the police read you your Miranda rights, invoke them immediately. This might mean you have to wait even longer until your attorney can come help you, but it is worth the wait. Remember, the police are not on your side, and anything you say can and will be used against you. As such, do not answer any questions about the alleged crime unless your attorney says it is okay.

Call Our Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorneys for Legal Help

Obtain a private, free case evaluation from our Upper Darby, PA criminal defense lawyers by calling the Liberty Law Team at (215) 826-3314.