Anyone can get that late-night call from a loved one in jail. If you have never bailed someone out before, you may be unsure of where to start or who to call. Keep reading for the steps to take when a loved one calls from jail.

Stay Calm
The news that a loved one is in jail can shock anyone. However, it's essential to remain as calm as possible and assure them you can help. Keep in mind that the situation is stressful to the arrested party, and you don't want to aggravate the situation further. Thus, reassure them you'll do everything you can to get them out.

A person in jail also wants to know that their children, pets, and spouses are fine. Assure them you'll contact any family or friends they want to notify of the arrest. Also, you can offer to call their employer and request a leave of absence on their behalf. Let the employer know your loved one has to deal with a personal emergency.

Gather the Details
The first thing to ask is where they are. Next, you need to know the jurisdiction, county, and police station. As much as you might like to, don't ask about the details of the case. A common mistake made during these calls is discussing the facts leading up to or surrounding the incidence. Keep in mind that police stations record these calls, and the prosecution can obtain the records. Additionally, discourage your loved one from making excuses and don't scold or blame them for the arrest.

Instead, call the police station, and ask:

• The precise charges of the arrest
• The arresting officer's name
• The arraignment date and location
• If the arresting officers are from the federal government or state
• If the station can release the person's car to a third party if they were driving at the time of the arrest.

It's critical to warn your loved one not to discuss the case with anyone that isn't an attorney, particularly the police. Let them know that anything they say can harm their defense. Then, ask them to stay calm as you get financial and legal help.

Seek an Attorney
It's vital to get a defense attorney in your loved one's corner as soon as possible. Give them the details above and any other important information. The advantage of legal services is that an attorney can legally speak to your friend or family member. In this way, the lawyer can interrupt any custodial interrogation and prevent the person from giving case details. Moreover, the lawyer understands your loved one's rights and will protect them throughout the legal process.

Contact a Bail Bond Agent
While a lawyer protects your friend's or family member's rights, they're less likely to be able to get them out of jail after the arrest. If you want to get your loved one out of jail quickly, your best bet is a bail bond agent. The agents can bail out individuals within hours of their arrest and secure their freedom as they await a court date.

Instead of paying the entire bail amount, get a bail bond agent to post a surety bond. The agents typically charge 8-10 percent of the set bail amount.

Ensure Your Loved One Attends Court
The legal process is much easier if a loved one attends all their court dates. In addition, if you put up collateral for their bail amount, your assets are on the line in the case of missed appearances. Therefore, it's best to check in periodically with your friend or family member to ensure they meet their court obligations.

A bail bonds company can quickly get your loved one out of jail after an arrest. Contact A-Action Bail Bonds today to secure the freedom of your family member or friend.