Getting arrested is scary! Seeing a teen behind bars is even worse. Teen arrests are more common in the US than you think. Back in 2019, as many as 696,620 teenagers were arrested in the US. Given the age’s vulnerability, your teen is probably not aware of how they can get out of jail.
Here’s how you can help them:
Stay calm
Receiving a phone call from the police station about your teen getting arrested is likely to come off as a shock! However, things could become a lot worse if you don’t maintain your composure.
We understand that you’d feel upset, angry, and even concerned, but lashing out won’t address the issue at hand. Avoid rushing to judgment and jumping to a conclusion unless you don’t know what happened. Step back, take a deep breath, and make efforts to find more information.
Don’t take any action if you haven’t heard all aspects of the story. Head straight to the station and speak to the child, bearing the prison policies and your rights in mind. Make sure you have a lawyer present during your meeting to guide you through the talk.
Gather important documents.
Having all the required documents is an important step in seeking legal help. You’d need paperwork that testifies your child’s character. Go back to their school and gather evidence of their certificates and other achievements. Speak to their school and collect reference letters, report cards, and other medals. You can even speak to the local church, neighbors, and employers (if they’re working somewhere) to see if they can testify for the child’s character.
Make sure you’re not speaking to the judge or submitting any documents on your own. Please leave it to your attorney to do so through an appropriate legal channel. The attorney can also guide you about the viable forms of evidence that work.
Make sure your teen knows their rights.
Your teen might not be aware of their legal rights as well as an adult does. Miranda Rights are an example. These rights allow the defendant to remain silent during the interrogation. Similarly, your teen must understand when to speak. They should also understand the repercussions of a repeat offense. When you get time to speak to the teen, tell them to be polite with the officers and not use any force during the interrogation period. They should know that whatever they’re speaking can be used against them.
Other than an attorney, your teen also needs help from a bail bond agent! DeLaughter Bail Bonds is an excellent choice for those based in Indiana. Here is all you need to know about our bail bond services.
