If your loved one has been arrested in South Carolina, you are likely to be feeling a lot of things, and the most prominent of those feelings is going to be worry and anxiety for the person who was arrested. In some cases, you’ll know about it because you are present when the arrest occurs. In other cases, you’ll get a phone call from your loved one in jail. You’ll have questions, like what happened, why it happened, and – most importantly – what can you do?

What To Do If You Are Present At the Time of the Arrest

If you are there when your loved one is arrested, it is essential to remain as calm as possible. You might be experiencing a lot of anxiety and stress on the inside, but you must control your outward behavior as much as you can to avoid making the situation worse. Many people make the mistake of trying to interfere with the arrest of a loved one, and then, they end up sitting in jail right next to them. You can’t do anything to help your loved one if you are also arrested. Remaining calm can also help your loved one to remain calm and comply with the police. Even if there is some kind of misunderstanding, and even if your loved one is being wrongfully arrested, the best thing to do is remain calm and comply with the arresting officer.

Further, the calmer you are, the more likely the police are to listen to you if you try to clear up a misunderstanding and/or as you attempt to get information about what’s happening. You should ask where your loved one is going to be placed, what the charges are, and where the bond hearing will be. You should also get the name of the officer who is arresting your loved one. If you are not calm, you are likely to act in ways that can get you into trouble, get your loved one into more trouble, and/or end up without any information at all.

What To Do If You Are Not Present At the Time of the Arrest

If you are not present at the time of the arrest, then you may first hear of it through a phone call from your loved one in jail. This is a much different situation, and this is not the time to get as much information as you can. Rather, you should not ask questions about the charges while talking to your loved one on the phone. If he or she attempts to explain the situation, encourage them to stop doing so, because such calls are recorded, and they may say something that could be used against them. It is better to leave this phone call with unanswered questions than to seek the answers from your loved one. You can ask questions later.

So, what do you say on this phone call? Tell your loved one that you are going to be there for them, that you’ll contact a South Carolina criminal defense attorney on their behalf, and that you’ll do everything you can to get them out of jail. Remind them that they should not discuss the case at all, not on the phone, and not with anyone in jail. They should wait to discuss their predicament until they have the counsel of a criminal defense lawyer.

Who To Contact Following the Arrest of Your Loved One

You’ll want to make a few phone calls after the arrest of a loved one in South Carolina. You should start by contacting a criminal defense attorney for a free consultation and make sure that your loved one has legal representation as soon as possible. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Steven M Krause PA are happy to provide this consultation and get started on protecting the rights of your loved one. We’ll find out the answers to your questions about what the charges and start the process of getting your loved one out of the jail by preparing for the bond hearing.

http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t17c015.php

You can also call a bondsman to find out whether or not your loved one can be released on bond, when the bond hearing will be to decide this, and how much money you’re going to need to get the bondsman to help. The bond can be very expensive, and a bondsman can help with this expense, though you will need to come up with a percentage of the bond.

Next, you need to contact the employer of your loved one. This is essential to try to ensure that your loved one still has a job when they get out of jail. The last thing you want is for your loved one to miss work without anyone informing their employer that they won’t be coming in. Having said that, you don’t need to tell the employer why your loved one is going to miss work. It is best to explain that there has been an emergency in the family, and leave it at that.

What You Can Do If Your Loved One Cannot Be Released From Custody

In cases where your loved one is not able to be released from custody and must remain in jail, you are likely to be very worried and sympathetic to their plight. These are unpleasant feelings, but they are still important, because this is what will keep you involved and there for them through this difficult time. You should visit as much as you can and ask other loved ones to visit as well. Sitting in jail can be a very lonely and anxious experience, and your loved one needs all of the support that they can get. Be positive and encouraging during these visits.

You can also find out from the jail whether or not you are allowed to give gifts or place money in their commissary account, which will allow your loved one to purchase comforts and necessities. While you’re trying to remain strong for your loved one, it is important to take care of yourself as well. If you find the situation too upsetting and overwhelming emotionally, you can seek out counseling or a good friend with whom you can share your fears, stresses, and concerns. You won’t want to add to the stress of your loved one, so it’s best to not focus on your own stress when visiting and talking with them. Yet, this does not mean that your own stress and ability to cope with the situation are not important to address, in other settings, with other people.

Get More Information on South Carolina Criminal Defense From The Law Offices of Steven M Krause PA

The determined South Carolina criminal defense attorneys at The Law Offices of Steven M Krause PA are here for you, and we’ll help you through this difficult time by answering your questions, providing the information that you need to help your loved one, and fighting on your loved one’s behalf. The sooner you call, the sooner we can get started on the case. Call today to learn more.

Badges

We help people like you every day.

---

GET HELP NOW!

• Your Name*
• Your Email*
• Phone
• Your Message*

Δ

HOURS & ADDRESS

• 207 E. Calhoun St. Anderson, SC 29621
• (864) 225-4000Local
• 864-844-4836 En Español
• Toll Free
• 864-964-0788 FAX

Office Hours

• Monday - Thursday9am - 3pmFridays - Closed

Steven M. Krause

Steven Krause is a personal injury, auto accident, and workers’ compensation lawyer who practices in Anderson, SC. He graduated form the Thomas M. Cooley School of Law and has been practicing law for 40 years now. Steven Krause believes in fighting for the injured. Learn more about his experience here.