Finding out a loved one is facing jail time is a stressful experience. It’s hard on the family and the defendant, but your support can make a difference.

To give you some practical guidance, this article explores 5 ways you can support a loved one who is going to jail. This information is based on our experience with the bail process.

Over the years, All-n-One Bail Bonds has helped many people in Shelby County, TN get out of jail quickly with bail bonds.

IMPORTANT: If your loved one has been arrested, don’t wait. Contact us immediately to start the process of getting them released on bail!

Support A Loved One Who Is Going to Jail – Key Takeaways

  • Contact a bail bonds company like All-n-One Bail Bonds to help your loved one navigate the bail process and get released from jail quickly.
  • Consider cosigning a bail bond for the defendant. However, understand the responsibilities and obligations involved before committing.
  • Assist your loved one in meeting the requirements of their release, such as attending check-ins, updating the bail bond company, and preparing for court.
  • Support your loved one with a stable home, help them find employment (if unemployed), and take other positive steps. Most importantly, remind them that going to jail isn’t the end of the world. Your encouragement in this matter might make all the difference.
  • Find a good attorney by using resources like the Memphis Bar Association website and Avvo.com.

5 Ways to Support A Loved One Who Is Going to Jail

There are many ways to offer support to a loved one. But these are what we suggest, as we’ve found these steps to be helpful for defendants.

1. Contact A Bail Bondsman

The best way to support a loved one who is going to jail is to contact an experienced bail bondsman. The sooner you do this, the better. After all, a bail bondsman can get your loved one back home safely!

A Bail Bonds Expert Helps You Understand The Process

The bail process can be confusing, especially if you’ve never dealt with it before. Fortunately, that’s where a bail bondsman comes in. They can guide you through every step, which includes getting the necessary paperwork processed.

Choosing the Right Bondsman

When choosing a bail bondsman, look for one that is licensed, insured, and has a proven track record. Ask friends, family, or your attorney for referrals to bondsmen they trust.

Alternatively, you can call All-n-One Bail Bonds in Memphis, TN. We have a proven track record and hundreds of 5-star reviews on Google.

Getting A Bail Bond With Our Company

The process of getting a bail bond with All-n-One Bail Bonds is simple. To get started, all you need to do is call us or visit our Bail Bond Online page and fill out the form.

If you choose the online option, you’ll fill out the Bail Bond Application form and then make a payment. We do our best to make the process as fast and easy for you as possible!

We’re in the business of helping people get out of jail ASAP.

IMPORTANT: We offer low down payment with interest-free weekly, bi-monthly, and monthly payment options.

2. Cosign A Bail Bond

If your loved one is unable to post bail on their own, cosigning their bail bond is one of the strongest ways to show support.

When cosigning, you’ll need to provide proof of income and a valid form of identification. This is what we require. Other bail bond companies may have different requirements.

We do our best to make it easy to cosign a bail bond so you can get your loved one out of jail and back home safely as quickly as possible.

However, it’s worth remembering that you, as a cosigner, are liable for ensuring the defendant complies with the conditions of their release. When you cosign a bail bond with us, we help you fully understand the terms and obligations involved.

If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re happy to answer!

3. Help Keep Them Accountable Once They Get Out On Bond

Keeping your loved one accountable and compliant with the terms of their release is a major help. You can do this by familiarizing yourself with their release conditions and helping them keep track of important appointments.

Moreover, you can offer a stable environment that promotes positive behavior and compliance with drug testing, electronic monitoring, curfew requirements, and/or check-ins.

The Defendant Check-In Process

Regarding check-ins, as a supportive family member or friend, keeping the defendant compliant is especially helpful.

Here are a few ways you can help:

  • Review the check-in schedule and procedures with your loved one.
  • Help them set reminders or alarms to ensure they don’t miss a check-in.
  • Provide transportation to the check-in location or assist with remote check-ins.
  • Inform their bail bond agent of any changes in the defendant’s contact information, employment, or residence.
  • Make sure they have the bail bond agent’s contact information.
  • If remote check-ins are allowed, help them access the necessary technology (e.g., phone, computer, internet) to complete the check-in process.

See the All-n-One Bail Bonds Defendant Check-In page.

4. Help Them Get Their Life Back

Getting back to normal after going to jail, even if it’s only for a short time, can take a while. Getting arrested can be a shock to the system and impact one’s dignity, disrupt plans, and cause other issues.

The experience can certainly leave a person feeling disoriented, ashamed, and unsure of how to move forward. Fortunately, there are ways to manage the experience of going to jail after you or someone you know has been released on bail.

To help your loved one get back on their feet, focus on these key areas:

  • Providing a stable home.
  • Assisting with job applications (if they are unemployed).
  • Finding them mental health and substance abuse treatment programs (if applicable).
  • Getting them involved with the community and mentorship programs.
  • Supporting their hobbies, interests, and educational opportunities.

While these suggestions sound simple on the surface, a lot goes into them. The key is to have a positive mindset and not see getting arrested as the end of the world.

Whatever you do, remember that everyone makes mistakes, and with the right mindset, it’s very possible to bounce back from an arrest and move forward. You might need to remind your loved one of this. Your encouragement could make all the difference.

5. Find Them A Good Attorney

There are different ways you can support a loved one who is going to jail, but finding a good attorney is one of the best.

Now, finding a good attorney takes some thought and effort. You definitely need to be clear on the type of attorney you want, and there are other considerations to keep in mind, as well.

Fortunately, after getting arrested in Memphis, TN, your loved one should have 45 days to find an attorney, which gives you time to get yourself organized.

Let’s take a look at what you should consider when searching for an attorney.

Criminal Charges in Memphis, TN

In Memphis, Tennessee, criminal offenses are classified into misdemeanors (up to a year in jail), felonies (more serious, longer sentences), and capital crimes (most severe, like murder).

Side Note: The Shelby County Jail serves as a pretrial detention facility for those charged with felonies and capital crimes while awaiting trial.

Naturally, you’ll want to look for attorneys who specialize in criminal law suited to your needs. For example, if the charge is a DUI, an attorney with a track record in handling DUI cases would be preferable.

Reputation and Track Record

Online resources like the Memphis Bar Association website and Avvo.com can help you find attorneys, learn their specialty, and read reviews:

The Memphis Bar Association’s Lawyer Directory allows you to search by city and area of law practice, including Criminal Defense in Tennessee.

Avvo also enables you to search lawyers by location and type of practice. Here is the Memphis, TN Lawyers search page on Avvo.

Consultation, Communication, and Fees

Many attorneys offer the first consultation for free, during which you can get a feel for their approach and communication style. Asking about their hourly rate during this conversation is strongly suggested.

Once you have an estimate of the total cost of their services, you’ll be able to budget it against your bail bond amount. Keep in mind that attorney fees are separate from the cost of obtaining a bail bond, which in Memphis, TN, is 10% of the total bail amount.

If you are finding it difficult to afford an attorney and a bail bond at the same time, we’re more than happy to help you set up a payment plan. We offer payment plans and low down payments on bail bonds. Contact us for more information about this.

Additional Considerations 

If you’re worried about the cost of legal representation, Memphis has some organizations that provide legal aid and pro bono services for people who qualify.

Memphis Area Legal Services and the Community Legal Center are two such organizations. It may be beneficial to look into these resources, as they could potentially offer additional support.

Disclaimer: This information is provided as a general reference and should not be considered legal advice. Eligibility for legal aid and pro bono services may vary depending on individual circumstances and the specific organizations mentioned. It is always recommended to directly contact these organizations or consult with a legal professional for personalized guidance and the most current information on available assistance.

Support A Loved One Who Is Going to Jail – Conclusion

In this post, we covered 5 ways to support a loved one who is going to Shelby County Jail in Memphis, TN. These include contacting a bail bondsman, cosigning a bail bond, keeping your loved one accountable, helping them get back on their feet, and finding a good attorney.

For a full overview of the contents, see the Key Takeaways section.

If you need bail bond services in Memphis, Tennessee, contact All-n-One Bail Bonds. Our bail professionals are available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you navigate the bail process with confidence.

Disclaimer: Tennessee may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in this post. Please refer to official sources. The information in this post is not a substitute for professional legal advice.