What Should You Do When a Loved One Gets Arrested?
Few phone calls are as dreadful as learning that your friend or a family member has been arrested. This is a stressful time, and you may have no idea what to do next. Your priority is to secure the person's release as fast as possible. Learn the processes to follow after a loved one's arrest to get them out of jail.
Stay Calm
A loved one's arrest can be emotionally draining and leave you shocked and disoriented. You may have many questions without answers. However, you need to stay calm and maintain a clear head so you act immediately and secure
their release.
If the person informs you of their arrest through a phone call, keep it short and don't discuss the details of the reason for the arrest. The phone call may be recorded and anything incriminating may be used against them. Remember to assure your loved one everything will be okay and you will secure their freedom promptly.
Gather Crucial Details
Finding out the details of your loved one's arrest is fundamental in securing their release. Contact the District Attorney's office to get this information. Ask about the charges, place and time of arrest, location of detention, and arrest number. If the arresting officers have a warrant, enquire about the issuing court.
If present at the arrest scene, take the details of the arresting officers, such as their name and badge number. Also, ask whether the officers are state or federal government officers and where the loved one will go. However, be cautious not to interfere with the officers' work as you may be charged with obstructing government administration.
Work With an Attorney
After collecting the necessary details, get legal advice by contacting an attorney. You can contact your loved one's lawyer or find a qualified and experienced criminal defense lawyer who can handle your loved one's charges. The attorney can visit the loved one to learn what happened and advise accordingly. Also, they answer any questions on behalf of the defendant to protect their rights.
The best thing about hiring an attorney is that they understand the law and the defendant's rights and can represent them effectively. Also, they can navigate complicated laws and legal practices, help with the filing of documents, and challenge evidence amicably.
Post Bail
Typically, an arrested person is arraigned in court in 24-48 hours. Among the proceedings of the court is to set bail where applicable. The judge may allow bail if the person has a low flight risk and does not pose any danger to the community. The bail amount varies from one state to another and depends on the charges.
Once the court sets bail, you have several options to get your loved one out of jail. You can pay the bail in cash or use a property bond to guarantee your loved one will attend all court hearings. Once the case closes, you get a refund of the money and your property back. However, failure to attend court hearings can result in losing the cash or property.
If you don't have cash or a property bond, a bail bond is an excellent option. Find a reputable and experienced bail bond company to post bail for you in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is 10-15% of the bail.
Bail bonds offer an inexpensive way to get your loved one out of jail without the considerable upfront bail payment. Since bail bond companies know the courts and judicial process, they can file the required paperwork to secure your loved one's release faster.
Contact Don's Bail Bonds for fast, reliable, and affordable bail bonds in Santa Ana, CA. Regardless of what your loved one has been arrested for, we can help secure their freedom in no time. We provide flexible and friendly payment plans so you don't struggle to pay your bail.
