What Happens After An Arrest In Minneapolis

Stage 1: The Arrest

A person is arrested when a law enforcement officer places them in custody. After the arrest, the officer transports them to a booking facility. In Minneapolis, this is typically the Hennepin County Adult Detention Center at 350 South 5th Street.

Stage 2: Booking At Hennepin County Jail

At HCADC, the person goes through the booking process. This includes photographing, fingerprinting, a health screening, collecting personal property, and entering charges into the system. Booking takes 2 to 4 hours on average.

See the full step-by-step booking process at HCADC.

Stage 3: Bail Is Set

After booking, bail is either set automatically based on a standard schedule or held until a judge can set it at a first appearance hearing. If bail is set at booking, a bail bondsman can post the bond right away. If a hearing is required, you will need to wait up to 48 hours.

Stage 4: The First Appearance

At the first appearance, a judge reviews the charges, informs the defendant of their rights, and sets or modifies bail. This is a short hearing. A defense attorney can request lower bail at this hearing.

Stage 5: Posting Bail And Release

Once bail is set, a bail bondsman can post the bond. The jail processes the release within 2 to 6 hours in most cases. The defendant receives their belongings and any court date information when they walk out.

See the full step-by-step guide to bailing someone out in Minneapolis.

Stage 6: Court Appearances After Release

After release, the defendant must appear at every scheduled court date. Missing a court date results in a warrant and bail forfeiture. Make sure the person you bailed out understands this.

Learn about court obligations after bail is posted.