An arrest is a disorienting experience. Whether it happens to you or someone you love, the hours immediately following an arrest in Washoe County are critical — and what happens during that window can significantly affect the outcome of a criminal case. At the Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall, we handle criminal defense for clients across Northern Nevada, including Reno, Sparks, and the surrounding Washoe County area. Here is a clear, honest breakdown of what to expect in the first 72 hours after an arrest — and what you should do to protect your rights. Hour 0–2: The Arrest and Booking Process When someone is arrested in Washoe County, they are taken into custody by law enforcement — typically the Reno Police Department, the Sparks Police Department, or the Washoe County Sheriff's Office — and transported to the Washoe County Detention Facility (WCDF) in Reno for processing. Booking involves: Recording personal information and the alleged offense Photographing and fingerprinting Confiscating and inventorying personal property A health screening Being assigned to a housing unit within the facility During this process, law enforcement may attempt to question you. This is the most important moment to remember your rights: You have the right to remain silent. Use it. You are not required to answer questions beyond providing basic identifying information. Anything you say — even something that seems innocent or helpful — can and will be used against you. Politely and clearly invoke your right to remain silent and your right to speak with an attorney before answering any questions. Hour 2–24: Initial Appearance and Bail Under Nevada law, a person who is arrested must be brought before a judge or magistrate for an initial appearance without unnecessary delay — typically within 48 to 72 hours, though in practice it often happens faster in Washoe County. At the initial appearance (sometimes called an arraignment for misdemeanors), the judge will: Inform you of the charges against you Advise you of your rights Make a determination about bail Understanding Bail in Washoe County Bail is the amount of money required to secure your release from custody while your case proceeds. In Washoe County, bail may be: Set according to a standard bail schedule for common offenses (meaning you can potentially post bail before seeing a judge) Set by a judge at the initial appearance based on the nature of the offense, your criminal history, ties to the community, and flight risk Denied if the judge finds sufficient grounds — typically for serious felony charges or if you are considered a danger to the community If bail is set, it can be paid in full (cash bail) or through a licensed bail bondsman, who typically charges a non-refundable premium of around 10–15% of the bail amount. Having an attorney present at the initial appearance can make a meaningful difference. An experienced Washoe County criminal defense attorney can argue for reduced bail or release on your own recognizance (OR release) by presenting evidence of your community ties, employment, and family obligations. Hour 24–72: What Happens While You Wait If bail has not been posted and you remain in custody, the next major milestone is the formal arraignment on felony charges (for misdemeanors, this typically happens at the initial appearance). During this window, several things are happening simultaneously: The Prosecutor's Office Is Reviewing the Case After arrest, the case is forwarded to the Washoe County District Attorney's Office (for felonies) or to the City Attorney's Office (for misdemeanors in Reno or Sparks). Prosecutors review the police report and evidence to decide whether to file formal charges, reduce charges, or decline to prosecute. This review period is a critical window. An attorney who moves quickly and contacts the prosecutor's office early can sometimes influence charging decisions before they are locked in. Evidence Is Being Collected — By Both Sides Law enforcement is building their case from the moment of arrest. Your attorney should be doing the same — identifying witnesses, preserving surveillance footage (which is often overwritten within days), and requesting police body camera footage and dash camera footage while it still exists. Time is genuinely of the essence here. Evidence that exists on Day 1 may be gone by Day 10. You May Be Contacted by Law Enforcement Again Detectives or investigators may attempt to contact you again after booking — by phone, in person, or even by reaching out to your family members. Do not speak with law enforcement or investigators without your attorney present. This applies even if they suggest that cooperating will help you. Direct all contact to your attorney. The Single Most Important Thing You Can Do: Call an Attorney Everything in the criminal justice system moves faster than most people expect. Charging decisions get made. Bail hearings happen. Evidence disappears. Witnesses' memories fade. The sooner you have an experienced Reno criminal defense attorney in your corner, the more options you have. The Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall provides criminal defense representation across Washoe County and Northern Nevada. We understand the local courts, the prosecutors, and the procedures — and we move fast when our clients need us. Common Charges We Handle in Washoe County DUI (first offense through felony DUI) Drug possession and distribution Assault and battery Domestic violence charges Theft and property crimes White-collar offenses Weapons charges If you or someone you care about has been arrested in Washoe County, do not wait to get legal help. The first 72 hours matter — and so does having the right attorney by your side from the very beginning. Contact the Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall Serving criminal defense clients in Reno NV, Sparks NV, Washoe County, and all of Northern Nevada. Available for urgent consultations. Contact us at maxstovalllaw.com or call our Reno office today.