What To Do If a Friend Is Arrested

It’s a call no one wants to get. Imagine you’ve just settled in to get ready for bed and your phone rings. You answer to hear a friend of yours say, “I’ve been arrested, can you bail me out?” You may be disappointed, and you may be annoyed, but chances are, you want to help. Here’s what you need to know about getting your friend out.

Make Sure You’re Safe To Drive

Many times, a friend needs to be bailed out after being charged with a DUI. If you were out with him earlier in the night or if you are intoxicated yourself, do not drive to bail him out. You can offer to get in touch with someone who could help, but it is not worth putting others and yourself at risk by driving impaired and potentially ending up arrested or worse as well.

Work With a Bail Bonds Service

While it varies based on the charge, bail can be very expensive, often several thousand dollars. Use a bail bonds Stroudsburg PA service to help. In a typical arrangement, you agree to pay a nonrefundable percentage to the bond officer, who will then post your friend’s bond. It’s important to note that if your friend skips bail or fails to appear in court, you are responsible for the balance of his bond.

Pick Your Friend Up

It’s no secret that most arrests occur at night. Most bail bonds offices are open 24 hours for this reason. The bond officer will typically guide you to the jail where your friend is being held. The officer will then go in and fill out paperwork to get him released. After the officer brings your friend out to you, everyone is free to go, with the understanding that your friend must appear for his court date.

It’s generally a routine process. At this point, it’s probably appropriate to make sure your friend knows that he owes you money and owes you a favor!