No matter the circumstances, finding out a close friend or relative has been placed under arrest can be a frightening situation. It's important that you're aware of what happens during this process, what rights your loved one is entitled to and what you can do to help.
Choosing to Act Quickly
When a person is placed under arrest and booked for a crime, they could have to wait in jail or may be permitted to pay bail with the understanding that they will later appear in court. Bail is often set at an amount that's too high for the average person to afford. If you need to know how to bail someone out of jail scranton pa, you should contact a reputable bail bonds service as soon as an arrest is made. This may help ensure that your loved one can be assisted quickly and spends as little time in jail as possible.
Understanding the Timeline
Once an arrest is made, the police have only a few hours to book the individual for a crime. After this, a prosecutor will determine whether or not certain charges should be filed against them. If permitted, bail is set and the defendant will either have to post bail and appear in court a few days/weeks later or wait a few days in prison for their trial. If bail was paid, it will be returned only if the defendant is present for their scheduled court appearance.
Remembering Their Rights
It's important to remember some basic rights when dealing with an arrest. Your loved one is not required to answer any questions without speaking to an attorney first. It's unlawful for police to arrest and detain someone without promptly booking them for a crime, usually within a few hours of their arrest. They are also entitled to a speedy trial once they are in police custody.
If you're faced with the task of supporting a loved one during an arrest, remain calm, research your options and request updates to ensure that they are being treated fairly and lawfully.