Finding out that a loved one has been arrested is a terrifying and heartbreaking experience. You feel galvanized into action and helpless at the same time.
There are many reasons for an arrest. Whether your loved one was in the wrong place at the wrong time or an arrest warrant was issued for a crime that they committed, there are legal steps you can take to ensure their safety and representation in the court of law.
Every part of the process is important, read on to not miss a beat and help your loved one as much as you can.
What Happens After the Arrest
When someone is arrested they are typically read their rights and put into police custody. Once they are in the police station, they will be able to make some phone calls. This is could be when they call you and the first time that you are hearing of the arrest. Remain calm and listen to what they have to say, this could be when their future changes forever so it’s best to listen.
The only questions that you should ask at this time are if they are okay, where they are being held and what the charges are. Any other questions could be held against them - this call is recorded. You’ll still be allowed to offer comfort and affection.
At this point in the arrest, they will have their details noted down and mug shot taken before they are taken to a cell.
The Arraignment and the Bondsman
With legal issues come many legal terms.
The arraignment is the first court date when the District Attorney will decide whether or not to press charges. This is anywhere from 48 hours to five days after the arrest.
After the arrest, you can pay bail money to have them released. If you don’t have the money a bondsman will post the bail money for you at 10% interest if you cannot afford it - this is non-refundable. Depending on the result of the arraignment, you may get the bail money back.
Here is what you should do within this time:
Locate your loved one
Determine whether or not you can post the bail money
Contact the District Attorney’s office for the arraignment date
In the case that you cannot bail your loved one immediately, they will remain in jail until the arraignment date.
Get A Good Lawyer
With a date set in place, you must build the best possible legal case for your loved one, this requires a criminal rights lawyer to help out.
A good criminal rights lawyer will gather information to develop a concrete understanding of the case to assure they are represented well. In fact, in such scenarios, you should practice the Go now approach. That means you should contact and visit your criminal lawyer immediately after learning about the arrest. It will ensure smoother court and bail proceedings as well as the safety of your loved ones.
Get Them Everything They Need
When someone is incarcerated you have the right to keep in contact with them regularly and send them things that they need. You can send clothes and medical supplies that meet the requirements specified. You can also send cards, letters, and add money to an inmate phone account so that you can make jail calls regularly.
The process of ensuring a loved one’s legal safety in the case of an arrest can be emotionally taxing and can feel more complicated than it should be. By taking these steps, you’ll be on the right track to getting what is legally just for them.