A Friend In Need: Actions Needed To Help A Jailed Friend
It's nearly impossible to predict how you'll react when a friend calls for help from jail. The most important thing is not how you react, though, but how you act. Your friend is not going to be much help from behind bars so it's up to you to take action on their behalf. Read on to find out about the most efficient way to deal with a friend that needs help and needs it quickly.
Locate Your Friend
People can be taken to any number of places after an arrest depending on the location of the arrest and the arresting agency. If you happened to be with your friend when they were arrested, ask the officers at the scene about where your friend will be and when they can be released on bail. Sometimes they'll tell you and sometimes they won't. If you know the arresting agency, you can phone them and ask and you can also find inmate lists on the internet. You'll probably get more up-to-date and detailed information by phoning the correctional facility directly. Be aware that inmates may start off one place and then be moved to another. Knowing the exact location of your friend is vital for securing bail.
Find Out About the Charges
Along with the location, it's important to know the charges since bail and the ability to be offered bail depends, in part, on the nature of the crime your friend is charged with committing. In some cases, inmates are not informed of the charges until they are arraigned. An arraignment can occur the next morning or it might happen the next business day if the arrest happens on a holiday or weekend. If you end up phoning the jail, whatever you do, be aware that everything you say on the phone is recorded and can be used in court.
Phone a Bail Bonding Agent
You will want to use the most affordable option available to bail your friend out of jail and it's not necessary to pay the full cost the court charges for bail. Bail bonding agents can secure the release of your friend for a certain percentage of the full bail amount. Be sure to focus your efforts on locating a bail bonding agent to locations near the jail – the closer the better. Call them and provide them with as much information as you can over the phone. You can then find out how much the bail bond will cost, what forms of payment they accept, where they are located, and any other pertinent information.
Appear In Person at the Bail Bonding Office
You'll need to fill out some paperwork when you pay for the bond. Be sure you understand that if your friend does not show up for their future court appearance or violates any other condition of the bail, you might be held financially responsible for the full cost of the bail.
A bail bonds company is experienced in dealing with getting people out of jail fast and for less money. Phone one to learn more.