How Can I Help Someone Who Was Arrested?

It can be an incredibly terrifying and stressful experience when someone you know has been arrested. Often, it can lead to a flood of emotions which may cause you to act instinctively, potentially worsening the case for the individual.

Regardless of whether it’s your family member or a close friend, by knowing the proper steps to take when somebody you know is arrested, you can handle the situation with poise.

In most situations, the things you can do as a contact of the arrested party will remain the same. However, if the arrested individual is your child and is still a youth, you will be allowed to accompany them during any questioning if the youth wishes, but you will not be allowed to answer in their place.

Steps To Take When Someone You Know Is Arrested

By following the proper step-by-step process, you will be able to properly gauge the situation, process it, and take the necessary actions towards helping your loved one without making matters worse for them or yourself. Below are the steps you should take.

1. Remain Calm

You should always stay calm and collected around the police, ensuring not to become overly emotional or raise your voice when interacting with them. While this may sometimes be difficult if the person being arrested is close to you, it won’t do them any good as becoming angry won’t stop them from being arrested and you may end up getting in trouble.

This is especially important if you are with the person during their arrest, as you can keep them calm and ensure they are compliant. Always remain polite and respectful around police officers and try to make sure your friend/loved one does the same.

2. Ask Why The Person is Being Arrested

Once you’ve ensured that the situation is not at risk of escalation and that everyone is calm, you are completely within your rights to ask why they’re being arrested. The individual will legally be told the reason for the arrest. Make sure you listen carefully and ask for any clarification.

If you’re not with the person at the time of arrest, you can still ask for the reason behind their arrest from the proper authorities.

3. Find Out The Charge

While this may sound the same as solidifying the reason for the arrest, there are some vital differences. For example, punching somebody may be the reason they’re arrested, but the charge would be assault. By knowing the charge, you give yourself access to more potential information.

4. Ask Where They Will Be Detained

Knowing where the person will be taken will allow you to start making preparations to get them out as soon as possible. Remember to remain polite and professional to obtain as much information as you can. Specifically, ask what division or police station they will be held at so you can relay this information to their criminal lawyer. Also, if there is a specific Officer in Charge that needs to be spoken to, please get their name and their Badge ID number. 

5. Get A Criminal Defence Lawyer

Once you’ve established the basic information, there’s not much else you’ll be able to do. Your last step in helping the person arrested should be to contact a criminal defence lawyer who can find out more about the situation and represent them. Let the criminal lawyer know: Who was arrested, your relationship to them (so they know who they are talking to on the phone), what you understand the charges to be, and the Division/Police station they are being held at along with any Officer information. 

What The Law Provides Professional Legal Advice

If you or someone you know has been charged with a criminal offence in Richmond Hill or the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), then What The Law can represent you. For criminal lawyers who will ensure that you are defended to the highest extent of the law, contact us today and find out what we can do to help.