4 Ways to Help a Loved One After an Arrest

If a loved one has been arrested, it can be difficult to know where to turn. If this is the first time you have been in this position, you may find yourself wondering whether you are helping or being a hindrance. But by familiarising yourself with a number of tips and tricks as well as the different ways in which you can help, you can streamline the entire process from start to finish and ensure both parties approach the situation in the best possible way. Continue reading to find out how to help a loved one after an arrest. 

• Find out as much information as you can 

If you have only recently discovered a loved one has been arrested, it can be tempting to dismiss the facts and focus on protecting their health and wellbeing. But you must find out as much information as you can to allow you to paint an accurate picture of what happened, how it happened, and if and how they were involved. You must also attempt to find out the name of the arresting agency, the names of the arresting officers, and the date, time, and location of the arrest, if possible. This can allow you to locate your loved one within the wider jail system and challenge the validity of the arrest down the line if necessary. 

• Reassure them that everything will be okay 

If a loved one has been arrested for the first time, they are likely to feel scared and vulnerable. By reassuring them that everything will be okay, they may find it in themselves to explain what happened in a calm and collected manner. If you are given the opportunity to communicate with them prior to being booked or taken to their cell, you should also remind them not to answer any questions other than standard booking questions. This usually includes their name, address, and date of birth. You must also confirm that you will do whatever it takes to research bail bonds as soon as possible and hire an external defense attorney on their behalf. In the event that they decide to contact you from jail, you should ensure you are reachable and open to talking at all times. This can prevent them from feeling alone in an unfamiliar location. 

• Determine how much their bond is likely to be 

In order to determine how much their jail bonds are likely to be, you must find out their specific charge. This can allow you to put plans in place to ensure they are released at the earliest convenience. By sourcing a suitable bondsman, bondsmen, or bail bonds agency in your local area ahead of time, you can guarantee they spend as little time in jail as possible going forward. In addition to finding a bail bonds company, however, you must also ensure it is the best bail bond company for you and your loved ones’ individual needs and requirements. For instance, when it comes to jail bonds in the Tallahassee area, E Parker Bail Bonds are a recognisable and trusted bail bond agency with decades worth of knowledge and experience and a wide range of payment options available. If you find an expert such as this in your area you can have peace of mind knowing that you’ll be well looked after. 

• Contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible 

If you have found out as much information as you can, reassured them that everything will be okay, and determined how much their bond is likely to be, you must contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. When it comes to the arrest of a loved one, there are so many time-sensitive factors at stake. As a result, a criminal defense lawyer can provide you with the support you need to argue your side. It is also worth remembering that you must inform them of the location of your loved one during your first virtual or in-person meeting. By doing so, they may prefer to visit the facility at which they are being held to speak with them in person before proceeding. The police are required by law to inform them that their criminal defense lawyer has arrived and wishes to speak with them. This can have a dramatic impact on a custodial interrogation.

If a loved one has recently been arrested, it can be difficult to know where to turn. There are a number of steps you can take to help a loved one during what is bound to be a sensitive time for them. This includes finding out as much information as you can, reassuring them that everything will be okay, determining how much their bond is likely to be, and contacting a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. By doing so, you can ensure you are providing sufficient love and support to your loved one at a time when they need it the most.