Has A Relative Been Arrested? What To Do
Posted on: 3 May 2017
Getting the phone call that a relative has been arrested can feel like the worst feeling in the world. However, in spite of your shock, you need to spring into action to help them in any way you can. Without prior experience with legal trouble, you may be unsure of what you need to be doing during this time. Use these tips.
Start Bail Proceedings Now
The very first thing you'll have to do is set up bail. This can take more time than you expect. You might be unaware that bail bondsmen will need to check out your relative's background and case before setting up an agreement with you. You might need to look around for a few bonding companies before you are cleared for a bond. Then, the facility housing your arrested relative may take additional processing time. Don't delay your own part; start working on the proceedings right away.
Don't Attempt to Talk to Others Involved
Once you get your relative's side of the story, you may want to go and talk to other people involved in the situation. You might think someone else got your relative in trouble or that talking to a possible witness could help your relative. This is not always accurate, and, in fact, could lead to complications that could damage your relative's case. A conversation intended to be amicable could lead to a fist fight, for instance. The prosecutor could claim that you were attempting to tamper with a witness or threaten them. It's best to just steer clear of anyone else that could be connected to the incident that got your relative in trouble.
Care for Yourself
Because so much family attention is likely to be focused on the relative who was arrested, it's vital that you are practicing good self-care. Your relative needs your support, and you need to be able to offer solid counsel and encouragement; without taking care of your own needs, you may be cranky, worried, and stressed out. Make sure that you sleep each night as much as you're able. Get enough meals during the day and take a few moments every now and then to think about something other than your relative. This will ensure that your judgment is sharper and your mind clearer, enabling you to be a better support person for them.
If you are able to take some action after a relative's arrest, you might be able to help their case and help them retain their own sanity. Keep talking with their criminal defense lawyer for more ideas to use during this tough time, or contact a law firm like the Lowry Law Firm for additional advice.
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