Understanding the Steps After a Long Island Criminal Arrest

Oh Boy, You Got Arrested on Long Island…Now What Happens?

So you messed up and got yourself arrested on Long Island—it happens. Even if you feel scared or overwhelmed, try to stay calm. Getting arrested stinks, but it’s not the end of the world. Let’s walk through what happens next so you can get your head on straight.

The Booking Process

After the cops slap cuffs on your wrists, they’ll bring you to the police station for booking. This just means they’ll take your fingerprints, mugshot, and basic information like your name, address, etc. They might ask you questions about what happened or search your belongings. You don’t have to answer their questions if you don’t want to—more on that later.

The booking process usually takes a few hours. Try to keep your cool even though the holding cell sucks. Getting angry at the cops won’t help your case.

Seeing the Judge

After booking, the cops have to bring you to see a judge pretty quickly—usually within 24 hours. This first appearance is called an arraignment.

Don’t panic if you have to spend a night in jail before seeing the judge. At the arraignment, you’ll finally get to hear the exact charges against you. The judge will also make decisions about things like:

• Your bail—Do you have to pay money to get out of jail while your case moves forward?
• A public defender—If you can’t afford your own lawyer, the judge can appoint you a free one (yesss!).

When you go before the judge, DO NOT try to defend yourself or explain your side of the story. That comes later. For now, just say that you plead “not guilty” to give yourself some time.

Getting Out of Jail

If the judge sets bail, you or your loved ones will need to pay the amount to secure your release. Bail can be thousands of dollars depending on the charges. If no one can pay, you’ll wait in jail until your case finishes.

Don’t panic if you can’t afford bail right away. Your lawyer may get the amount reduced later on. There’s also bail bonds which let you pay 10% to get out. Just know that bondsmen make money locking people up, so be careful.

If the judge says you can be released without bail, heck yes! But don’t celebrate too fast—there might still be rules like probation check-ins or staying in New York. Make sure you understand all the conditions before leaving.

Getting a Lawyer

After booking and arraignment, finding a good lawyer should be your top focus. The legal system is too confusing to handle alone.

If you can’t afford an attorney, definitely take that public defender the judge offered! People make jokes, but public defenders are real lawyers who work hard. Let your appointed attorney handle things from here.

If you want to hire your own lawyer, ask friends for recommendations and find someone experienced with cases like yours. Interview a few options—never feel rushed into hiring someone.

Be totally honest with your lawyer so they can defend you properly. Tell them the good and bad. Don’t hold stuff back because you’re scared or embarrassed—attorney-client privilege means they can’t tell anyone.

Deciding How to Plead

Now for the big decision: should you plead guilty or not guilty? Your lawyer will go through your options, but the final call is yours.

Not sure what to do? Pleading guilty means admitting “yep I did it” and going straight to sentencing. It’s quicker, but you lose rights like appealing. Pleading not guilty means fighting the charges at trial. It’s a risk, but could lead to getting acquitted.

Most people first plead “not guilty” to keep their options open. You can always switch to guilty later on through a plea bargain if that seems smarter down the road.

Going to Trial

If you plead not guilty, your case will head to trial. Very few criminal cases actually make it this far—more than 90% get settled earlier through plea deals. But if you do go to trial, it’s a whole process.

Key parts of a trial include:

• Jury selection—Picking regular citizens who’ll decide if you’re guilty based on hearing both sides.
• Opening statements—Your lawyer and the prosecutor explain the heart of your case.
• Witness testimony—Both sides bring up witnesses to tell their version of events.
• Closing arguments—Final pitches to the jury on why they should rule in your favor.
• Verdict—The jury decides if you’re guilty or not guilty. Then the judge determines your sentence if found guilty.

Your lawyer will handle objections and questioning witnesses and all that. Your job is showing up on time and keeping your mouth shut unless asked to testify. Answer questions from your attorney or the prosecutor honestly.

Trials are long and intense. Stay chill and let your lawyer guide you. Getting angry or upset on the stand can only hurt your case.

Considering Plea Bargains

Heading to trial is risky business with no guarantee of getting off. That’s why most people explore plea bargains instead.

Plea bargains let you plead guilty in exchange for benefits like:

• Getting certain charges dropped
• A lighter sentence recommendation
• Even just going home that day!

Work closely with your attorney to negotiate a deal that fits your situation. Rules vary, but common bargains require completing programs like anger management, rehab, community service, etc.

Ask lots of questions before signing anything. Understand exactly what rights you’re giving up and what you’re agreeing to first. It stinks feeling pressured into a raw deal just to get out of jail quickly.

Understanding the Consequences

However your case wraps up—through trial, plea bargain, charges getting dismissed, whatever—make sure you know what happens next. Will you serve jail time or pay fines and fees? Be on probation? Lose certain rights?

Your sentence has a huge impact that goes way beyond your court case. Things like custody arrangements, financial aid eligibility, professional licenses, immigration status, and more could be affected.

Do your homework on all the consequences ahead of time so you can make fully informed choices. Don’t just plead guilty to end things quickly without realizing the fallout.

Moving Forward After an Arrest

There’s no sugarcoating it—getting arrested leaves you feeling scared, overwhelmed, and uncertain about the future. It’s a gut punch waking up behind bars thinking your life might be ruined forever.

But don’t let shame pull you under. Needing help doesn’t make you weak or a failure. Lean on loved ones, take things one step at a time, and keep perspective. This too shall pass.

Stay strong and know you still have a purpose in this world. We all make mistakes—what matters most is learning and growing from here. You’ve got this!

I hope walking through the basic legal process after a Long Island arrest helps you feel more in control. Remember to breathe and take it step-by-step. You’ll get through this! Let me know if you have any other questions.