Someone you care about is calling from jail, in the middle of the night, telling you that they have just been arrested. They tell you where they are and you hop in your car and rush to help them. But while you are driving you realize you don’t know what you should do when you get there. Here are four things you can do.
1. Treat the Police With Respect
Although you are probably confused and upset, must do your best to stay calm. Being rude, or losing your temper and swearing at the police, will not help. Keep your cool, and encourage your friend to stay collected too.
2. Understand the Charges
Ask if your friend was actually arrested. Maybe they were in the wrong place at the wrong time, or maybe they were just taken in for questioning. In such an emotional situation it is easy to misunderstand what is happening. In the instance that your friend has not been arrested, ask if they are free to go.
If your friend has been arrested, politely ask the police to explain the charges. If you are told the name of a crime that you do not understand, look it up in the penal code.
3. Call a Bondsman
Once the police tell you the charges and where your friend is being booked, you can make preparations to get them released from jail. For help with bail bonding Iredell County, for instance, has 24-hour-a-day bondsman available.
4. Help Your Friend Find a Lawyer
Your friend’s situation requires a good attorney. Remind your friend that a public defender can help at no cost; otherwise, call the bar association for a recommendation for a criminal attorney with at least five years of experience who is willing to meet with your friend in jail.
These four tips can make it easy for you to help your friend.
