What To Do If You Are Arrested - Better Bail Bonds

Being arrested can be a very upsetting experience for most people. Here is what you should do if you, a friend or a relative have been arrested:

Step 1: Call Better Bail Bonds - 800-GET-BAIL
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Step 2: Don't talk to anyone except a lawyer about the situation
We understand wanting to talk to other people about the arrest. DON'T DO THIS! People you talk to could be called as a witness against you. Only speak to your attorney about your case.

Step 3: Find the right Attorney
Finding the right attorney for you and your case is not always easy. If you need a public defender, this should be brought up at your arraignment. The court will immediately appoint one for you, if you qualify. Otherwise if you need to find a private attorney, start by calling the County Bar Association for a referral. You might also contact an attorney you know and ask for a referral for someone who specializes in your kind of case if the attorney that you know does not already handle your situation.

Step 4: What to do while waiting for your court appearance
After you are released from jail, it is important that to lead a very law-abiding life and not to break any more laws. It often helps your case to correct problems in your life that caused your arrest. It also helps to do whatever you need to do to convince the court that you are now trying to be a good citizen and improve your life. For example, enroll in anger management class if you anticipate the court will want you to do that. If unemployed, enroll in school or find a job prior to your court appearance. If the charge involves your treatment of children enroll in a good parenting program. If alcohol or drug abuse is an issue, immediately enroll in a rehabilitation program. For a list of resources, call your local court.

Step 5: Behave appropriately in court
Your physical appearance in court can influence the outcome of your case. Be sure to dress appropriately. Tank tops and sandals are not appropriate. Do not bring your children to court. If you must bring your children, bring snacks or meals for them or quiet activities for them to do. When standing before the court, be sure to remain in control of your attitude and emotions at all times. Sarcasm or a negative attitude can only hurt you and your case. Do not discuss your case in hallways or in the bathroom, unless it is with your attorney. After all, you never know who else is listening.

Step 6: Preparing For Jail Time
If you are sentenced to jail time, it will be much easier for you and your family to prepare ahead of time emotionally and financially for your ordeal. Some things to do that will help to prepare include the following:

Organize your finances prior to going to jail.
Take a copy of your medical records, medications and prescriptions to the jailers so that you can continue any medications and medical care that you may need.
If you wear eye glasses, take an extra pair, as glasses frequently get broken in jail.
Make arrangements with any storage units you have to continue storage of your items.
Switch magazine subscriptions to your jail address.
Get needed dental work done prior to incarceration, if possible.
Give power of attorney to someone that you trust for all business, family and financial matters.
Update your driver's license before going to jail.
Arrange for child care and give temporary guardianship and authority for medical care to a trusted family member or friend.
Consider getting brief counseling to deal with the stress of incarceration or having to live without your partner or relatives for awhile. You can talk freely to a clergy-person or a mental health professional because they are bound to confidentiality and cannot legally discuss what you tell them to anyone.
Decide ahead of time how often you will call out from jail. This can get very expensive. All calls from jail have to be collect calls through a company other than the regular phone company. This other phone company charges higher rates, so your collect bill can add up very quickly.

You will need to buy "extra's" in jail - items that are considered "essential" on the outside but have to be bought at the jail commissary. This includes food items, toiletries, etc. To purchase these items, you or someone you know may put money into an account. This serves as a debit so that you may purchase needed items. It is best to budget this amount prior to going to jail so that the ground rules are in place to avoids conflict and miscommunication.