Being arrested is scary for both the accused and their loved ones. Perhaps you never envisioned that your child or spouse would end up on the wrong side of the law. Maybe it’s a case of mistaken identity, and your loved one is incarcerated under false pretense.
No matter what, If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to stay calm and take some time to assess matters. Don’t act rashly or out of ignorance. In this blog post, we will be discussing the four essential steps that keep you from doing just that. Let’s begin!
Conducting an Inmate Search
The first step you should take if a loved one is arrested is to conduct an inmate search. Depending on the county in which the arrest occurred, there are different ways to do this. You can usually find this information on the website of the state’s department of corrections or county sheriff’s office.
Once you have located your loved one, you will also be able to find out their bail amount. Start with a search by name, as you may not have a handle on the date of arrest and the other minutiae of the incident. A last name search, followed by Ctrl+F (Command+F on a Mac) will allow you to narrow down the Smiths by the first name.
Contacting an Attorney
Once you have located your loved one and know their bail amount, your next step should be to contact an attorney. An experienced attorney will be able to give you specific advice about your case and help you navigate the legal system. Even if you decide not to go this route, speaking with one can give you a better understanding of what to expect and what your options are.
Posting Bail
If you decide to post bail, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure that you understand the terms of the bail agreement before signing anything. You should also be aware that there are different types of bail, including cash bail and surety bail.
Cash bail means that the full amount of bail must be paid in cash upfront; surety bail means that only a portion of the bail needs to be paid upfront and the rest will be paid by a bonding company. PCS Bail Bonds offers these services.
Move Into Support Mode
Once your loved one has been released from jail, it is important to be there as a source of support. This can be a difficult time for them, and they will need all the help they can get.
Be patient and understanding and try not to judge them for their mistakes. Instead, help them get back on their feet and start fresh. This does two things: it helps them see the light at the end of the tunnel and prepare for whatever outcome lies ahead, and it improves their chances of beating the charges or lessening the severity of the outcome.
That’s because it promotes good behavior, keeps them out of further trouble, and gives the attorney something to work with when it comes to arguing their case before a judge. By stepping firmly into the support role, you could be the difference between your loved one becoming a multi-incident offender or turning their life around completely.
Getting Arrested Without Support Increases the Chance of a Poor Outcome
If a loved one is arrested, it is important to stay calm and take some time to assess the situation. As discussed, you need to find out where they are and what charges they’re facing through a proper inmate search. From there, you’ll be able to determine the bail amount, make arrangements for their release, and start building toward a defense.
While an attorney can help you through the case, a good bonding company can expedite release at a much more affordable price than the court’s cash bail amount. PCS Bail Bonds have helped families from all walks of life through trying times like these, and we’ve seen many long-term success stories as a result. We’re ready to help you.
Remember, your loved one needs you right now, so let us do the heavy lifting and get them out of jail quickly. Contact us today!