3 Things To Do When A Loved One Has Been Arrested And Is In Jail

Finding out that a loved one has been arrested and is in jail can be quite alarming and stressful, but it is important to remain calm and take the necessary steps to get him or her released. The process typically isn't as daunting if you know what you're going to have to do. Take the following steps when you get a phone call from someone in jail:

Keep the Initial Call Short

When you receive a call from a loved one who is in jail, it is a good idea to keep the conversation as brief as possible. You will need to know the jail where he or she is being held as well as the charges that he or she has been arrested for. Since phone calls placed from jail are usually recorded, try to avoid asking too many questions or asking for details as your loved one may end up saying something incriminating on tape. 

Contact a Lawyer

If your loved one has been accused of a crime that has landed him or her in jail, it is in his or her best interest to have a lawyer as early as possible. Your loved one will most likely have to be seen by a judge before being eligible for release, so while you're waiting either contact a lawyer that you have used in the past or find a new lawyer to defend your loved one. Your lawyer can also assist you in getting your loved one released from jail, and help answer any questions you may have about the charges and possible penalties associated with them.

Post Bond

After being seen by a judge, a bond amount to get released is announced. The amount of bond required for release varies depending on the crime that a person is accused of, and a past criminal record may be taken into consideration. If you have the cash available to pay the bond in full, your loved one will be released, and the money will be refunded to you if your loved one is present at all ordered court appearances.

But bond amounts can be quite high, and many people do not have the liquid assets on hand to pay a bond in full. If you are in this situation, you can call a bail bond company like All Night & Day Bailbonds. The bail bond company will charge you a non-refundable fee, and then post bond of behalf of your loved one. Make sure that your loved one shows up to court when ordered, otherwise you can be held responsible for paying back the bail bond company all of the money that they paid out.

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