As soon as you learn that a relative has had a run-in with the law, you may feel overwhelmed with stress, concern and even grief. Your first thought may be to get your loved one out of jail, but you may also be concerned about what this means for his or her future. Understandably, you want to help in every way possible, and these tips can guide your actions.
Post Bail
Getting a loved one out of jail often involves seeking the services of a bail bondsman. You will need to wait until the bail has been set by the court. This usually happens fairly soon after the arrest and you should hire a bail bond agent. However, if the arrest occurred at night or over the weekend, you should be prepared to wait for a longer period of time. Keep in mind that you will need to pledge collateral to receive a bail bond.
Find a Criminal Lawyer
Immediately after you search for a reputable bail bondsman, you should then locate a criminal lawyer who can represent your loved one. A court-appointed attorney may already be working the case, but you may obtain better representation in some instances if you hire a lawyer who has specialization in a specific niche of criminal law. After all, the defenses for DWI, assault or drug charges can all vary dramatically.
Offer Emotional Support
A criminal matter can potentially drag on for a rather lengthy period of time. After all, you may need to wait several weeks or longer for the court date to arrive. During this time, your loved one may need to spend time meeting with the attorney. Provide support by offering to watch his or her kids, providing transportation and more. In addition, be supportive and encouraging even if the circumstances seem bleak.
Plan for the Worst
While it is important to be positive and to hope for the best, you also should prepare for a worst-case scenario. In some cases, this could involve a lengthy jail sentence. For example, who will manage your loved one’s finances? What will happen to his or her home? Who will care for the children? By preparing for a worst-case scenario, you may decrease some of the stress that your loved one may be feeling.
Even seemingly minor criminal charges need to be taken seriously. All criminal convictions can have a major and lingering impact on your loved one’s life. These essential steps can help you to provide your loved one with the assistance and support that the situation calls for.
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.
