When a family member is arrested, you will of course be left stunned and wondering what to do next. Although you and your loved one may feel angry and probably a bit intimidated by police and others, it is crucial for you to take certain steps immediately following the arrest. To make the process as smooth as possible and get the results you seek, here are some steps you should take at once after the arrest of your loved one.
Talk to Your Loved One
Whether you are able to do this in person or by phone, always talk to your loved one as quickly as possible after their arrest. First, ask them if the police read them their Miranda rights. If so, remind your loved one that they can exercise their Fifth Amendment right and refuse to self-incriminate themselves. Above all, stay calm and be positive during your conversation.
Make Arrangements for Bail
In almost all situations where a person has been arrested, they will have the chance to make bail and be released from jail. Therefore, after you have talked to your loved one, contact a reputable bail bondsman and start making arrangements for them to help your loved one be released from jail. Since you likely won’t know much if anything about the bail process, don’t be afraid to ask questions along the way.
Hire an Attorney
After you have contacted a bail bondsman, you should also contact a criminal defense attorney to handle your loved one’s case. If you don’t and leave it up to a public defender to handle the case, your loved one will not get the legal advice they need for this situation. By quickly hiring an attorney, the lawyer can give your family member advice on what to say, with whom they should speak, and advise them of their rights each step of the way. In many cases, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can get charges reduced or dismissed.
Attend the Arraignment
Finally, attend your loved one’s arraignment and other scheduled court hearings. By doing so, you not only stay abreast as to how the case is proceeding, but you also show your loved one you support them and will be by their side from start to finish.
If you keep your wits about you following your loved one’s arrest and take each of these steps as quickly as possible, you can gain peace of mind and set the stage for your loved one’s case to be resolved quickly and in their favor.