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Coping With the Assault Arrest
If someone in your family is arrested for assault, you probably aren't certain where to turn or what to do to handle the situation. Maybe you or another member of the family was the victim of the assault, which may mean you have additional issues to deal with. While a family member's arrest is a daunting situation, there are several straightforward things you can do right away to gain some information and control.
If you or a loved one has been charged with domestic assault in Indiana, contact our Indianapolis domestic Assault Lawyer for a free consultation.
Before you do anything else, however, you should contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Seek out an attorney who can help guide you through the complicated maze of the justice system with compassion and honest counsel. Once you have contacted a good criminal defense lawyer, you can turn to taking care of yourself, your family, and your arrested family member, providing the support that each individual needs.
Here are the simple steps you can take to get - and offer - support at this difficult time:
Contact an Attorney
As mentioned above, getting your family member an attorney is the first order of business. A good criminal defense attorney can help protect the rights of your family member, as well as look out for your family's best interests. Provide the attorney with information on where your family member is being held, if still in jail, or meet with the attorney personally as soon as possible if your family member has been released. Early legal advice can often help reduce the consequences of an arrest.
Take Care of Your Family
Your family will be strongly affected by the arrest, particularly if you have children. If you or another family member were the victim of the assault, make sure to get medical attention prior to any other actions. If the alleged assault occurred outside the family, local social services or mental health professionals can provide advice and help to make sure the fear and uncertainty of the situation are managed. Contact extended family or reliable friends for help with child care, household tasks, and other duties.
Support Your Family Member
Getting arrested is a frightening experience, and your family member will need moral support. If you are called following the arrest, remind your relative that he or she should not answer questions until an attorney will be present. Remind your relative that everything he or she says can be used against him or her in court. Even seemingly innocent statements can complicate the defense. Try to help your family member remain calm, and let him or her know that you will be there for them. Tell your family member what you will be doing on his or her behalf, like contacting an attorney.
Contact the Jail
If your relative is still in custody, contact the jail to find out whether your family member can be visited and if any additional information is required. You can speak with the jail to provide medical information and other important data. If your family member is taking prescription drugs, you can coordinate delivering that prescription for your family member's use. If your relative has a mental illness, inform the jail of any relevant issues, and ask if the family doctor should be put in touch with jail staff. Ask if there is a procedure for getting your family member to a mental health unit that can serve his or her needs if that is appropriate.
Also ask the jail representative for any pending transfers of your family member to other jails (and the contact details for those facilities), as well as for information on upcoming court dates, if known.
Make a Bail Decision
In some instances, a judge may release someone without money deposited; in most instances, though, the court will require a bond to be posted for bail. The bond is a financial obligation that is forfeited if the arrested person does not make court dates. Often, a family will need to pledge an interest in their home or a car to make the required bond level.
Obviously, you want your family member out of jail as quickly as possible, but keep in mind that your family may be more hurt in the long run if your relative does not make the bond commitment. If you pledge your home or other valuable property to secure the bail bond for your relative's release, if your family member does not show up for court dates, your property may be seized by the bond company. If you have any doubts, remember that while jail is uncomfortable, it is a secure environment where your relative will be fed, sheltered, and given medical treatment
Conclusion
A family member's arrest for assault is always difficult and time-consuming. This information is just a brief outline of the possible routes you can take to make sure everyone's needs are met as much as possible in the circumstances. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help make sure you understand every step of the process. If a family member is accused of assault, contact an attorney for immediate assistance. If you have been charged with domestic assault in Indiana, contact our Indianapolis domestic assault Lawyer for a free consultation.
Coping With the Assault Arrest » Attorneys and Lawyers Serving Indiana
Garrison Law Firm
8720 Castlecreek Pkwy
Suite # 200
Indianapolis, IN 46250
(317) 572 7717
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