From an interview with Ames Police Lt. Mike Brennan

1) Handcuffs — This is a safety issue for both the suspect and the arresting officer. It is usually a stressful situation and this measure is to prevent any unnecessary altercations.

2) Booking and sobering up — A suspect is brought into the Ames Police Department and — depending on how intoxicated an individual is — it is the city”s policy to hold someone at least four hours. Basically, the rule is to hold someone until they are no longer intoxicated.

3) More than headaches — After a suspect sobers up, he or she can expect some immediate consequences. Public intoxication is a simple misdemeanor and will typically result in a citation. A trial date will be set usually three to seven days from the date of the original charges.

4) Trial — At this point, the suspect appears before a judge and pleads guilty or not guilty. For simple misdemeanors, the judge would typically ask the suspects whether they want to take their sentence at that time. If a guilty plea is made, a fine is usually issued to the suspect. If a not guilty plea is made, a new trial date is set. For crimes more serious than a simple misdemeanor, a suspect could be sent to the county jail for up to a year and fined.

— Adam Graaf