It’s a situation no one wants to experience: Your phone rings, and it’s a loved one. But they haven’t called to chat or make plans. They called to tell you they’ve been arrested, and they need your help. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help a family member or friend who runs into trouble with the law.
Contact a Lawyer
One of the first things you can do is contact a criminal defense lawyer to defend and negotiate a pre-trial release on their behalf. If you can’t afford to hire a private criminal defense lawyer, your loved one might be able to ask the court to appoint an attorney at their first hearing. Be as helpful as you can if their lawyer needs information from you.
Get Hearing Information
Find out when and where your loved one’s court hearings will be before or during their criminal trial. While watching a loved one sit in a court hearing might not be comfortable, it lets them know someone is looking out for their interests. It also keeps you informed about the case to see if there are other ways you can help.
Inquire About Visiting Hours
When your loved one is in jail awaiting their hearing, find out when visiting hours are. Taking the time to visit shows them they’re not alone and that you support them. Showing them as much support as possible will help keep their spirits up as they challenge the charges or seek the best terms they can.
Contact a Bail Bond Agent
If your loved one has the opportunity to be released from jail before their trial, you can contact a bail bond agent. If the arrest occurred at Billings, Montana, you could get a bail bonds agent like bail bondsman Billings MT.They can help you arrange for your loved one’s release by issuing a bail bond, which costs significantly less than the full bail amount—generally 10%. A surety bond is a contract that assures the court that your loved one will show up for future court appearances. Click here to learn more about all types of surety bonds.
At that point, your loved one may be released into your custody. Make sure they go to every court appearance the judge schedules. Them failing to appear could result in them being sent back to jail, and the other 90% of the bail amount would be due.
How involved you get in a loved one’s arrest and resulting trial is a very personal decision based on your relationship and the circumstances. But never feel powerless. While these are some specific examples of how you can help, support of any kind will be appreciated.
Related Posts
