By David Lambert
Whether we think that someone we know can never put a foot wrong or we're waiting for the day when they will, it can be unpleasant to find out that they are in trouble with the law. Although you might be angry, upset, or just exasperated, you might also want to do what you can to help them. They're still your friend or relative, so you want to try and support them, whether you believe that they have done something wrong or not. But what can you do to help them out when they have been arrested or might be facing other consequences?
Don't Get Yourself in Trouble
Firstly, it's important to remember that you shouldn't get yourself in trouble to help out a friend or relative. While you might want to protect them, it won't help them or you if you risk getting in trouble yourself. Helping someone to commit or cover up a crime is likely only going to make things worse. This includes lying for them, such as giving someone an alibi that isn't true. Although you want to help, you need to do it in the correct way and avoid doing anything that will simply dig them (and you) in deeper.
Understand What Will Happen
It's useful to know what will happen if someone is arrested or even just questioned by police. If you're not sure if someone has been arrested, you can check your local government website to see if an arrest report has been filed. When someone is arrested, an arraignment will be arranged, where they will enter a plea. You can speak to the District Attorney's office to find out when this will be and learn other details about the case. Bail will also be set at the arraignment, assuming the accused isn't deemed a flight risk.
Help with Bail
Helping out with bail is one of the concrete things that you can do if you want to assist someone who is in trouble with the law. Although bail amounts can often seem very high, you usually need to pay 10% for the person to be let out on bail. The rest of the money can be provided by a bail bondsman. Bad Boys Bail Bonds is available 24/7 if you need help with bail for a loved one. You can often get a bail bond processed quickly so that the person can be released as soon as possible.
Look for Legal Help
Another way that you can help is by looking for legal help for your friend or relative, such as a professional that can provide the typical services offered by a criminal lawyer. A criminal defense lawyer will defend them in court and offer legal advice too. An experienced attorney is a must if you want someone who can provide the help that you're looking for. Find a lawyer who has experience dealing with similar cases and who is honest with you about what sort of outcome they are likely to be able to get. While a lawyer isn't essential, it's best to have someone who knows the law on your side. They will be able to put the best defense together.
Be There to Talk
Sometimes, you don't necessarily have to do anything concrete and practical to help. If you can't help with bail or a lawyer, you might be able to be a listening ear. Regardless of whether your friend or relative has done anything wrong, being arrested and being held in custody can be stressful. And if they are eventually convicted and have to face a jail sentence or other consequences, they can benefit from your support while they are fulfilling their obligations. It might not always be easy to be there for someone if they have done something wrong, especially if you feel that they broke your trust, but maintaining a relationship could help both of you.
Offer Support to Correct Their Mistakes
If someone you know has broken the law and is found guilty, they will then have a criminal record. If they decide that they want to get on a better path, you can help by providing support. There are many ways that they might want to rehabilitate themself, improve their life, and start making better decisions. You could support them in various ways, such as helping them to find work or treatment for addiction or simply by being their friend while they are making changes to their life.
When someone you know is in trouble with the law, you can help them out in a variety of ways. Be there for them in any way that you feel able to.
