Things to know and do after a loved one’s arrest.

First, the calls from the jail and visitation at the jail are not the places to discuss what happened that led to your loved ones arrest. Most of these communications are recorded and the can be used to prosecute your loved one. Let your loved one know not to talk to law enforcement or anyone in jail about what happened. This is not the time to explain their side of what happened.

Next, you should find out what the charges are that your loved one is being held in jail for, if there is a bond, and how much that bond is. You can usually get this information by calling the jail where your loved one is being housed and asking. If there is no bond initially, you should ask if the person will be given a bond at their first appearance hearing and when that hearing is. You can check back after that hearing.

If your loved one has a bond, then we usually recommend bonding them out at this point. In some circumstances, such as someone with a drug addiction, it may be better not to bond them out immediately.

If your loved one does not have a bond, it is usually a good idea to hire a qualified an attorney to begin the process of trying to handle the case and to work on a bond.

If you need assistance on the bonding process, look at our blog article from May 15, 2015.