What to Do After a Friend Has Been Arrested

If your friend has been arrested, you may feel overwhelmed or unsure what to do next. Staying calm and acting quickly can make a big difference in the outcome of their case. This guide explains what to do after a friend has been arrested in Texas. It walks you through each step in clear, simple language.

Table of Contents

Step 1 – Confirm the Arrest and Location

Your first step is to confirm that the arrest happened and find out where your friend is being held. You can do this by:

Calling the local police department
Using online inmate search tools for the county
Contacting the jail directly

Make sure to gather this information:

Full name and birthdate of your friend
Name of the police officer or department involved
The jail or facility where they’re held
Booking number (if available)
List of criminal charges

You’ll need these details to contact a criminal defense attorney, speak with a bail bondsman, or attend court.

Step 2 – Stay Calm and Supportive

When your friend gets arrested, it’s important to remain calm. Don’t panic or argue with the police. Stay respectful and gather the facts.

If your friend calls you from jail, the call may be recorded. Do not ask about what happened. Focus on the next steps. Reassure your friend that help is on the way.

Support is emotional as well as practical. Let your friend know you’ll assist with bail and legal help.

Step 3 – Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney

Legal advice is critical in the early stages of an arrest. A criminal defense attorney protects your friend’s rights and handles communication with law enforcement and the court.

Attorneys can:

Explain the charges
Request a lower bail amount
Advise your friend not to speak with police
Represent your friend in court
Guide the legal strategy

Most law firms offer a free consultation, so you can speak to a lawyer quickly. Don’t wait. Early action can prevent costly legal mistakes.

Step 4 – Gather Key Information

Write down all the important details:

All charges filed
Scheduled court date
Arrest location and time
Bail amount, if available
Name and badge number of the police officer
Details from the jail or court

You’ll need this info to post bail or prepare for hearings. Share these details with the attorney and keep them for future reference.

Step 5 – Understand the Bail Process

What Is Bail?

Bail is the money paid to the court to release someone from jail. It’s a promise that the person will return to court for all hearings.

If your friend fails to appear in court, they may face a bail jumping charge. This is a serious offense under the Texas Penal Code, and can lead to:

Additional criminal charges
Arrest warrants
Jail time
A class A misdemeanor or third-degree felony depending on the original charge

How to Post Bail

Once bail is set, you have a few options:

Pay the full amount to the jail
Use property as collateral
Hire a bail bondsman

A bail bond agency typically charges 10% of the total bail. For example, if bail is $10,000, you may only need to pay $1,000 up front. At 24/7 Bail Bonds, we offer fast help and flexible payment options.

Step 6 – Go to the Arraignment

The arraignment is your friend’s first court appearance. The judge will:

Read the charges
Ask for a plea
Confirm or change the bail amount
Set future court dates

Attend the arraignment to show support. It helps if your friend sees familiar faces during this stressful moment.

Encourage them to dress neatly, arrive early, and follow instructions from the judge and criminal defense attorney.

Step 7 – Help Your Friend Stay on Track

Once your friend is released on bail, they must follow all court orders. Help them by:

Writing down all upcoming court dates
Setting reminders
Making sure they stay in contact with their lawyer
Avoiding further arrests or violations

If your friend skips bail or misses court, the offense of bail jumping can lead to:

A fine of limitations for bail jumping
A new arrest
More serious criminal charges
Revoked bail and jail time

There are few valid excuses for failing to appear, so help your friend stay on schedule and act responsibly.

Step 8 – Know What Not to Do

Avoid actions that could harm your friend’s case:

Do not speak to police about the incident
Do not sign paperwork for your friend unless directed by the lawyer
Do not post online about the arrest or charges
Do not make promises or statements without legal advice

Let the criminal defense attorney handle the legal side. Your role is to support, not defend.

Step 9 – Stay Involved and Patient

Criminal cases take time. They may include:

Hearings
Motions
Pre-trial conferences
Trial or plea deals

You may not see immediate progress. Stay involved, check in often, and offer emotional support. Your friend may be dealing with stress, embarrassment, or fear.

What to Say and Do If You’re Present During the Arrest

If you’re with your friend at the time of arrest:

Stay quiet and calm
Do not argue with the police officer
Ask politely where they are being taken
Don’t interfere or resist — that can lead to your own arrest
Write down badge numbers and patrol car numbers if possible
Record video only if it’s legal and safe to do so

Your presence can be helpful, but avoid saying or doing anything that adds to the situation.

Understanding the Booking Process

After arrest, your friend goes through booking. This includes:

Mugshot and fingerprints
Listing of criminal charges
Jail assignment
Bail review
Placement in holding

During booking, your friend may be held for several hours or overnight before bail is set. You can still call the jail and check on status. Once bail is assigned, contact a bail bondsman to start the release process.

How to Choose the Right Bail Bondsman and Attorney

Choosing the right help can make a major difference.

Bail Bondsman Tips

Look for:

A licensed agent in your county
24-hour availability
Clear payment terms
Strong local reputation

At 24/7 Bail Bonds, we’re family-owned and work fast to help you post bail at any hour.

Criminal Defense Attorney Tips