Receiving an unsolicited phone call that a loved one has been arrested can be extremely stressful. You may have a thousand questions and concerns going through your mind on what you need to do next. The first step always is to remain calm. If you know how the legal process works, you’ll be able to make the right decisions for your family. The following is a quick reference of what you should know right after your loved one is arrested in California.
Find Out Exactly Where They Are Held
The first thing you should do is find your loved one. Ask the arresting officer or your family member for the exact name of the jail facility. Draw up a secure record of their full legal name and date of birth as this will be required later. Many sheriff’s offices provide online inmate locators for their residents, if you don’t know where they are. You may also contact licensed professionals that can get this crucial data for you.
Understand How the Bail Process Works
After you’ve located them, you must know how to remove them. In most cases, the court will determine the bail amount depending on the charges. For most families, it’s not feasible to pay the entire amount in cash. This is where a good professional service can come in handy. By checking the San Diego Bail Bonds website, you can learn about flexible payment plans like zero money down and no collateral options. These agencies work on a twenty four hour basis to assure a rapid and safe release.
Keep Phone Conversations Very Brief
Remember that the authorities record all calls from jail, when your loved one calls you. Don’t ask them to give details of the crime. Anything they say on a jail phone call may be played against them in court later. Just concentrate on collecting basic information such as where they are and their booking number. Tell them that you are making efforts to get them out and encourage them to be very quiet until a lawyer is able to advise them properly.
Seek Trusted Legal Representation Quickly
Once your family member is released from jail, there is much more to do. It will be vital that they obtain the best possible lawyer to defend their rights. An experienced defense lawyer is familiar with the local court system and will create a solid defense. Don’t rush, but also spend time studying and conferring with other legal professionals in your community. Your bail agent may even be able to suggest a trusted defense attorney that lives in your area and has experience in the field dealing with criminal activities like yours.
Conclusion
Being arrested by the police without warning in the family is an extremely disturbing situation, but you’re not in it alone. Taking each of these steps with some degree of calmness can help your loved one find his or her way home safely today. Do not delay to get their release from a trusted service, ensure their legal rights are upheld and always get the correct counsel promptly. By doing the same, you can truly have peace of mind for your whole family during this highly stressful, confusing and super difficult period of your life.
