It comes out of nowhere—one minute, you are going about your day, just like any other day, going to work or school, meeting family and friends; the next minute, your phone is ringing with the news that someone you know and love has been arrested. It might feel like the earth has opened beneath your feet and is threatening to swallow you whole. You struggle to make sense of what’s being said on the other end of the line, but it’s difficult to focus. Then, the call ends, and you wonder, “What should I do now?”
When a loved one is arrested, it’s not unusual to experience every emotion in the book. You might be scared, confused, a little bit angry, and even embarrassed. After all, no one expects this to happen to them. But the good news is that you’re not alone.
At Dan's Bail Bonds, we can help you understand what to do if someone you love was arrested, including what steps to take to secure their release from jail. Continue reading to learn more, or reach out to us directly for personal assistance. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Keep a Clear Head
First and foremost, it's important to stay calm. Your loved one needs your support and clarity, and panicking will not help the situation. Take a deep breath and focus on gathering the information and resources needed to assist them. Your clear-headed approach will help you make better decisions and act efficiently.
It’s also important that your loved one keeps a level head during this ordeal. If you can speak with your loved one, you should encourage them to stay calm as well. Assure them that you will help find them an attorney and that you’ll work to get them released from jail. Remember, you are their lifeline to the outside world. Remaining calm will help you both make the right choices.
Collect Information About Your Loved One's Arrest
When it comes to taking the next steps after a loved one’s arrest, you’ll want to start by obtaining as much information as possible about the arrest.
This includes:
- Where they were taken into custody
- The specific charges they are facing
- The booking number
- Where they are being held
- The date of their arraignment
You can often obtain this information by contacting the local police department or checking online arrest records if available. Knowing these details will help you understand the seriousness of the situation and what steps to take next.
Post Bail, If It’s Granted
Once you have the necessary information, find out if bail has been set. Bail allows your loved one to be released from custody while awaiting their court date, but not everyone is eligible for bail.
Three things can happen when your loved one is arraigned. These include:
- ROR (Release on Own Recognizance): In some cases, the judge may decide that the defendant is likely to return to court for their next hearing and does not need to be jailed until that date. The judge will weigh various factors, such as the defendant’s employment, lack of criminal record, and roots in the local community, when determining whether to award ROR.
- Released with Bail. If the judge feels that your loved one is not a danger to the community if they are released, but that they may fail to appear in court, they may require bail. The defendant (or their loved one or a bail bonds agent) must pay bail. The bail money will be forfeited if the defendant doesn’t show up for their court date after posting bail.
- Detention Without Bail: This occurs when the judge rules that the defendant must remain in jail until their next court date. Several factors go into this decision. Has the defendant failed to appear in court in the past? What is the defendant’s attitude in court? Are they foreign residents who could easily leave the jurisdiction? What statements have law enforcement officials made about the case and the defendant? What is the defendant’s mental state and physical condition like?
How Much Will Bail Be?
When the judge decides to grant bail, he or she will have to make another decision: how much bail will be.
To determine this, the judge will consider the following and more:
- The severity of the offense
- The defendant’s ties to the community
- Whether the defendant has a history of not appearing in court
- The defendant’s work situation and family responsibilities
- The defendant’s past criminal record (if any)
- The impact of the alleged offense on the victim(s)
You can usually find out the bail amount through the arresting agency or the jail where they are being held. Ensure that you understand the terms of bail, including any conditions or deadlines for payment.
The amount of bail can range from $15,000 for a restraining order violation to well over $1,000,000 for assault with an attempt to rape or burglarize. If that seems steep to you, you are not alone. Most families do not have enough cash on hand to bail someone out of jail. When this is the case, it’s time to contact a bail bondsman.
When to Hire a Bail Bondsman
If you cannot afford the full bail amount, hiring a bail bondsman may be a viable option. A bail bondsman can post bail on your behalf in exchange for a fee, typically around 10% of the total bail amount. They also handle the paperwork and work to get your loved one released from custody. This will allow you to create a plan for your loved one’s defense and determine the next steps for keeping them out of jail.
When someone you care about is arrested, the emotional fallout alone is life changing. A bail bondsman can help get your loved one out of jail and back with the family where they belong.
When choosing a bail bondsman, you should ensure that they are licensed and have a good reputation. You want someone who can guide you through the process and help you understand any additional requirements or obligations.