You’ve received that phone call where the loved one on the other end of the line says, “I’ve been arrested.” Now what do you do?

Remain Calm

The first recommendation is to remain calm. Your loved one needs your strength now, so help them calm down as well. Ask them to be respectful with the authorities but to let them know that they should invoke the right to remain silent and that family is going to retain an attorney for them. Assure them that you will work on their behalf. It is not the time for blaming, shaming, yelling or escalating the situation in any way. If you were present at the arrest, you yourself must be respectful to the police office but are not required to divulge any information to them or answer questions.

Learn the Details

Find out at which jail your loved one is being detained, and on what charge. Give this information to an attorney that you have hired to represent your family in this matter. Phone calls are recorded at the adult detention centers in Virginia if you loved one is calling you on their pay phone system, so absolutely nothing should be said by either of you about the facts surrounding the case; or anything else that could be incriminating to you or your loved one. Address only the matter or arranging for legal counsel and how your loved one is holding up.

You may or may not want to contact other loved ones. If you do, inquire as to their resources that may be able to help.

Know Your Rights and Those of the Police

A loved one who is arrested has: (1) the right to remain silent; and/or (2) the right to speak to an attorney. But he or she must tell the police (invoke) that they are exercising those rights if they intend to have them honored. If they start talking about the case, they may waive those rights simply by choosing to do so—even after first invoking them. No questions should be answered without the attorney present, regardless of whether the alleged crime is or is not a serious one. They should know that in questioning, the interview is either recorded, or the arrested party may be asked to sign a statement confirming that the interview record is accurate.

The police will most likely photograph the arrested person and take fingerprints. They may also legally take a DNA sample or swabs of the skin on the arms and hands. If they want urine, blood or dental impressions, it requires the permission of the person, unless the arrest is related to driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

An arrested person can be held for up to 24 hours as a suspect or “person of interest.” After that time, they must be charged with a crime or released, unless a request for an extended incarceration is requested by authorities for 36 to 96 hours if the person is suspected in a serious crime. Those involved in acts of terrorism can be held without charge up to 14 days if arrested under the Terrorism Act.

After questioning, the police may release your relative either without charge or on bail (secured or unsecured by a bond). If bail is not granted, the person may have to remain in police custody until the family can obtain an attorney to file a motion with the court to have a bail amount set by a judge.

At an arraignment hearing, charges will be read and the bond amount and any conditions, such as the bond amount, will be set. If bail is met, the arrestee will be asked to sign a ”signature bond” that states that he or she recognizes his or her obligation to appear in court. You may help them pay the bail.

The information in this blog post pertains mostly to adults who are arrested. Some different practices may come into play with minor children. For example, the child may have the right to an attorney present during questioning, but not a parent. An experienced family law attorney who has also handled criminal law matters can help you ensure your loved one’s rights are protected.

Contact Your Attorney

Make contact with your attorney as soon as possible. Arrange for an attorney to help you with the immediate issues including representation during questioning and at the arraignment hearing. You attorney will also advise you as to the steps you need to take.

Do not sign a long-term agreement with an attorney until you know what the charges are and whether you will need their help long-term. Beware of lawyers who try to push you into an extended engagement immediately or want to rush you to a plea bargain.

Beware also of friends and family who try to give you legal advice. Stick to the licensed attorney’s recommendations. A criminal defense attorney, unlike a friend or family member, is the only one who can offer attorney-client protection for the statements made by the arrested person, and the only one who cannot be called to testify against the client as to what the client said about the events leading to his or her arrest. A family member is always open to being subpoenaed to disclose what the loved one shared. Thus, the reason to tell them nothing – even to you – and to save all discussions about their case for the attorney.

Gather Funds

You will need money to post bail or to pay attorney fees, so take action to gather the necessary funds. Criminal defense attorneys typically charge up-front deposits, and sometimes a flat fee, depending on the seriousness of the crime.

Don’t Feel Guilty

People from any family can get arrested, so don’t get caught up in feelings of guilt. Deal with the shock and begin the process of rectifying the situation as best you can. And be aware that others, including family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc., may act in an accusatory way or say things that might be hurtful upon hearing of the arrest. Don’t let them incite and distract you; stick to your plan and follow the legal advice of your attorney.

Contact the Law Office of Patricia E. Tichenor

Attorney Patricia E. Tichenor spent a number of years handling criminal cases while practicing family law. The Law Office of Patricia E. Tichenor, P.L.L.C. is often called upon to help with highly-emotional issues such as family member arrests, and can provide legal advice and representation in a caring and competent manner to families in Northern Virginia. If your loved one has been arrested, contact attorneys Patricia Tichenor or Camellia Safi today.