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What should you do if a loved one is accused of a crime?

While you may feel shocked, horrified, and afraid, there are quite a few steps you can take at this grim time.

Help Your Loved One Find a Lawyer

Some defendants are too shocked and horrified themselves to ask for a lawyer or are too overwhelmed to find one. 

Police often use a variety of psychological tricks to manipulate suspects into waiving their rights. They’re often aided and abetted by copaganda television shows which try to convince people that talking to the police is in their best interests.

In addition, the police often make defendants wait an unreasonable amount of time before even giving them the chance to make a phone call to find a lawyer. 

If you can get a lawyer to them faster than they can get a lawyer themselves, you can help your loved one out a great deal. 

If you’re present when your loved one is arrested, remind them not to talk and tell them you’ll find a lawyer for them. Remind them to avoid talking until the lawyer gets there. 

Advocate For Your Loved One’s Medical Needs

Defendants often face difficulties getting their medications in jail. Bring the prescriptions to the jail. Inform staff at the jail what they’re for, how often they need to be taken, and what could happen if your loved one doesn’t receive them. 

Document the visit: if your loved one suffers damages as a result of a failure to give them their meds your visit can be used against law enforcement in a later lawsuit.

Inmates have a right to receive health care while incarcerated, and right after their arrest your loved one hasn’t even been convicted of anything yet. 

If jail officials continue to ignore your loved one’s health needs, you can contact the medical staff at the facility or file a formal complaint. 

Get Support

Arrests hurt a person’s family, too. If you were reliant on that person’s income you now have to find a new source of income. Your family’s reputation may be impacted, even though you yourself did nothing wrong. This is one of the most stressful, scariest times you’ll ever face.

It’s imperative that you find a therapist, support group, or some other support system to help you through this time. 

Helping yourself helps your loved one by removing a source of stress on them, as well. They may be worried about you, too. 

See also:

How Long Does a Criminal Case Take in Los Angeles, CA? 

What to Do If You Get Arrested in Los Angeles, CA 

When Should You Take a Plea Deal in Your Los Angeles, CA Criminal Case