What to Do If Your Loved One Gets Arrested

What to Do If Your Loved One Gets Arrested

Getting a call that your loved one has been arrested is stressful and overwhelming. It’s natural to feel unsure about what to do next. The good news is that you can take action from the outside to help your friend or family member get out of jail sooner. Here’s what to do.

Experienced Bail Bond Agents in Concord, NC.

Gather Information

When your loved one is arrested in North Carolina, the first step is to gather as much information as possible about the situation, including:

  • Where they are being held: This could be a local jail or a county facility.
  • The charges they’re facing: Are they accused of a minor offense like trespassing, or are the charges more serious?
  • Their bail amount: Bail is the money you’ll need to post to have your loved one released from jail until their court date.

Contact a Defense Lawyer

Reaching out to a defense attorney is an important step. A lawyer can guide you through the legal system and help protect your loved one’s rights. Depending on the situation, you may want to consult a lawyer who specializes in wrongful arrest, arrest warrants, or accusations of resisting arrest. It’s important to hire a lawyer familiar with local laws in North Carolina, especially if the arrest was unexpected.

Ask the Right Questions

Here’s what to ask to help you make the right decisions:

  • How long will my loved one be in custody? In most cases, the police can hold a suspect for up to 24 hours without formally charging them. This timeframe is extended for serious offenses. If the suspect is charged with a crime, they will either be detained until their first court appearance or released on conditional bail, where they must follow specific conditions until their hearing.
  • Can I speak to them while in custody? Yes, you can typically contact your loved one while they are in jail. Offer them support and reassurance, and explain that you’re working on getting a lawyer. Remember, calls from jail are monitored, so avoid discussing details about the case over the phone, as anything they say could be used against them in court.
  • Are there any errors in the paperwork? Make sure you understand the charges your loved one is facing by reading the official arrest paperwork. Confirm that all information, such as the date, time, and location of the arrest, is correct. Address any errors right away.
  • When are the upcoming court dates? Once bail is posted, keeping track of court dates and legal deadlines is essential. Missing a court appearance could cause a bench warrant to be issued against your loved one, and they may forfeit bail.

Cooperate with the Authorities

While it’s natural to feel upset or frustrated when a loved one is arrested, arguing or becoming combative with the police or jail staff doesn’t help anything. Instead, remain calm and cooperate when asked for information or paperwork. This helps things move smoothly and gives you a better chance of getting your loved one out of jail sooner.

Understand How Bail Works

One crucial step when your loved one gets arrested is posting bail. This allows them to go home while awaiting their court date, giving them time to meet with their lawyer and prepare their defense.

Bail is a sum of money that acts as insurance between the court and the accused. The amount is set by the court based on the severity of the charges and the likelihood of the person fleeing before their trial. If you can afford the full bail amount, pay it directly to the court, and your loved one will be released. This is called a cash bond. However, bail amounts are often set very high, so you may not have that kind of money on hand. That’s where a bail bond comes in.

A bail bond is when a company posts the full amount on your behalf in exchange for a 10% to 15% fee. Keep in mind that this percentage is a fee for the bail bond agent’s services and is non-refundable. If your loved one misses a court date, most bond companies immediately revoke the bond. However, 1st Choice Bonding & Surety works with clients to help them reschedule their court dates and avoid additional penalties.

When Time is of the Essence

Do you need help posting bail after your loved one has been arrested? 1st Choice Bonding & Surety is available 24/7 to assist. With over 20 years of experience and multiple locations across Concord, Salisbury, and Gastonia, NC, we have the expertise to guide you through the bail process. We are committed to fast response times and building relationships with our clients. Act quickly and contact us today! We are the key to your loved one’s release.