It’s a tough time for everyone who got arrested. It is even confusing and stressful for the other family members. If you get to know that your loved one has been arrested, you don’t have to panic. The arrested are allowed to make only one call. If they call you, this means you have to tackle the situation strategically, not emotionally, because sometimes, it gets so emotional. You can handle such a situation when you know what to do to support your loved one. Here are the essential steps you should consider if someone close to you is arrested.
Stay Calm and Gather Information
When you hear of your loved one being arrested, then you should stay calm and think about handling the issue. Gather information about where your loved one is kept after the arrest and in which charge the police caught them. Also, find out about when they will have a court hearing. This information is generally available when the arrested one calls you. On the phone, you should avoid extra details as most of the time, phones are tapped, and your call can be recorded, so just ask about the basic information. This information will be really helpful in planning for the next steps.
Contact An Attorney
In some cases, the arrested person is released the very next day because of minor crimes. However, sometimes, if the charge is a serious crime, you might have to contact an attorney as soon as possible. It’s important because when you have an experienced criminal lawyer by your side, you can get professional advice to deal with complex legal systems. It can also increase the chances of your loved one being fairly treated in court and ensure you get the desired results. Legal assistance can make a huge difference in the overall handling of the case.
Arrange for Bail
In certain situations, the arrested one is eligible for bail. Bail is basically the financial guarantee that the accused person will attend the hearing even after being released from jail. If your loved one is also eligible for bail, then you should immediately make arrangements for bail to avoid them spending more days in jail. Some professionals are experienced in writing bail bonds, so you should hire them to assist you in the bail process. After consulting them, you need to arrange the bail money to secure the release of your loved ones. Sometimes, you can’t afford the money, but some of the bail bond service providers can help you financially after doing the required paperwork and their fee for the process.
Prepare for the Legal Process
If you’ve bailed out your loved one, then you should prepare for further legal processes, which include the preparation of the documents and attending the hearing. Most of the time, after the arrest, the person has to appear in court within 24 to 48 hours. So, you have to make the required arrangements before the court hearing. In the hearing, the judge will decide whether your loved one is guilty, not guilty, or no contest. When you’re well-prepared, you can have the expected results.
