When it comes to getting booked in LA for a crime, this is a crucial distinction in the law because once somebody is booked, the police will attempt to get the prosecutors, whether it be the City Attorney or District Attorney, to charge the person with a crime. This process can have serious implications. 

The process works as follows: the police apprehend an individual, bring them to the police station, and if they decide to book them, take their fingerprints; typically, palm prints are taken. 

They are likely to be entered into a DNA database. A lot of these law enforcement agencies – which I think is impermissible – sometimes try to take people's DNA, their photographs, so now there's a record of the person being booked for a crime in Los Angeles, and that's the type of record that's very difficult – if not impossible – to get off your record.

So, when it comes to booking, that's kind of the dividing line between there being a record of you coming through the police station and there being no record of it. Often, what happens is that prosecutors get their hands on a case.

There is a glimmer of hope in this process. If the police in Los Angeles book the person, then other measures can be taken to avoid having that record, but it depends on the circumstances. They look at it and decide not to file any charges. So, as long as the police don't book the person, there will be no record of a crime.

There are now mechanisms in place that have recently been passed. If you're booked and the prosecutors don't file charges against you, you can attempt to have that booking removed.

Often, I also see a person come into contact with the police, and they are cited in court, but not arrested. They don't book them, so there's no record.

The prosecutors and judge realize this, and they make it part of any resolution that the person has to go in and get booked, which is somewhat problematic because now they will have a record, and it will be entered into the DOJ database, showing them as having been booked.

Depending on what you get booked for, you could get booked for a serious crime, but in reality, you really weren't good for that. You might end up with a lesser charge or even a dismissal, but the booking is still there.

The Booking Process

The booking process in LA can be relatively easy if the police are cooperative, but sometimes they need to be more cooperative and make the process more difficult. I have people, especially in the Orange County Jail system, who go in for a simple booking.

All they have to do is take your picture and take their fingerprints, and then let them go. They keep them in there overnight. But, typically, in Los Angeles County, as far as booking goes, you're usually going to be in and out of there.

You receive proof that you have been booked, and you're done, or the police arrest you, book you, and allow you to post bail. Alternatively, they can arrest you, book you, and cite you out. 'Citing out' is a process where the police release you from custody with a citation, which is a notice to appear in court at a later date. So, the booking process in LA is an interesting one.

There are all kinds of different things going on, and this is one thing that I'm good at doing – having done this for twenty-five years – once the police get their hands on somebody – trying to track the person and figure out when they're going to court, what they're getting booked for, what they're bail is going to be – is not always the easiest thing. 

If you've been booked or processed for a crime or a loved one of yours is in the process of being booked for a crime, you want to get a skilled attorney on your side right from the beginning. Having a lawyer involved right away can provide a sense of security in such a challenging situation.

Often, if it's the right case, such as a serious crime or a complex legal situation, I'll go in and try to speak with the person while they're in custody, so they don't say anything that could incriminate themselves.

If you've been charged with a crime, it is essential to have a skilled criminal defense attorney by your side who can protect your rights, freedom, and reputation. Having a skilled attorney can provide a sense of security in such a challenging situation. 

We discuss our strategy and make informed decisions to put you or your loved one in the best possible position when they are booked in Los Angeles.

It's important to remember that being booked for a crime in LA doesn't automatically mean you'll be charged. Prosecutors, who are lawyers like me, play a crucial role in this process. They must review the case, ensuring the police have fulfilled their duties, conducted a thorough investigation, and gathered sufficient evidence to charge a person with a crime.

It's worth noting that many people in LA have been booked for a crime but never had a crime filed against them. This fact offers a glimmer of hope in a potentially distressing situation, reminding us that the legal system is designed to protect the innocent.

Either the police ultimately let them go because a higher-level police officer realizes they have no evidence against the person, or the prosecutors obtain it. They review it and realize—you know what—we're not going to file this case. We'll never be able to prove it. A good defense attorney is going to take us apart.