Get a Criminal Lawyer: Steps to Do If a Friend or Family Member is Arrested

The arrest of a friend or a loved one is sure to be alarming. In that situation, time gets crazy fast, and it’s likely that you won’t be able to think clearly and forget what needs to be done to save your loved one from detention.

That’s why you need to know the steps to do amidst the alarm and confusion that will likely pressure you after the police lay a charge on the arrested person. Always remember that you and the arrested person are entitled to rights, and these rights must be used in this unfortunate situation.

You should keep in mind that careless mistakes can result in a misunderstanding with the police or, worse, wrongful conviction. So, for a little help, here’s a list of steps that you should follow if a friend or family member is arrested.

Don’t Panic

In the event of the arrest of someone close to you, the first thing that you should do is to stay calm and avoid panicking. If you misbehave to the police, it’s likely that you’ll make matters worse for yourself and the arrested person.

Don’t get angry or heap curse words to the police. It’s also crucial to not use force on the police and try to resist the arrest of your loved one, even if the arrest is illegal.

Ask the Reason for the Arrest

The next step to take in this situation to help your arrested friend or family member is to confirm whether your loved one is actually under arrest or merely being detained. It’s because there’s a difference between arrest and detention.

If indeed your loved one is under arrest, ask the police the reasons why. Both of you should be able to know the charge so that you can do what to do next. And, if the police will question your friend, you should keep in mind this next tip.

Use Your Right to Remain Silent

It’s essential in an arrest that you know the arrested person’s right. The police have to remind you of your rights, and one of that is the right to remain silent and get the help of a lawyer.

Always remember that what you and your friend will say to the police can be considered as testimony and evidence, and may later put forward against the arrested person.

Call Someone Related to the Arrested Person

If you see that the possibility of an immediate release is not on the way, it’s essential that you inform the arrested person’s parents or relatives about the unfortunate situation. The person you’re going to call may be the one that can get your loved one out of police detention.

He or she may have a contact of a lawyer or the money to pay for the bail to get the immediate release of the arrested person if ever. So, it’s really the best option to get the help of another person close to the one who is arrested.

Get a Good Criminal Lawyer

Another essential thing that you should do in situations like this is to hire the services of a criminal lawyer. The lawyer that you’ll hire will help your arrested loved one on his or her legal needs.

The lawyer will tell the arrested person what to say and what not to say so for his/her defense, and so that he/she can avoid further complications of the case.

Takeaway

It will surely upset and alarm you if the police arrest someone close to you. However, there are things that you can do to support your loved one and avoid further problems along the way.

It’s also essential that right after the arrest you call a trusted criminal defense lawyer. Criminal defense lawyers like Matt Gould will assist you in your legal rights and get the arrested person out of custody.

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