What to Do When a Loved One Is Arrested: A Family Guide

The phone rings in the middle of the night. On the other end is a voice you recognize — a family member or close friend — telling you they have been arrested. Your heart races. Your mind floods with questions. What do I do? Who do I call? How do I get them out? This guide offers practical steps to help you navigate those first critical hours with clarity. Please note: this information is general in nature and is not a substitute for legal advice from a licensed Tennessee attorney.

The most important thing you can do in the first moments is remain calm. Your loved one needs you thinking clearly. During the call, try to gather these essential details: Where are they being held? What agency made the arrest? What are the charges? Have they been booked yet? Write down everything — the jail name, the arresting agency, and any booking information available. This information will be helpful when you contact a bail bondsman or an attorney.

Remember that jail phone calls are typically recorded and monitored. Do not discuss the details of the alleged incident on the phone. Keep the conversation focused on logistics: location, charges, and immediate next steps. Anything said on a recorded line could potentially be used as evidence.

Reaching out to a licensed bail bondsman early in the process can help you understand your options. A reputable, licensed bondsman will explain the bail amount, the premium cost, payment options available, and what to generally expect at each stage. At Patriot Bail Bonds — a licensed bail bond company serving East Tennessee — we answer calls 24 hours a day and can often begin explaining the process while your loved one is still being booked.

When you call, try to have ready: the defendant's full name, date of birth, the jail where they are held, the charges if known, and the bail amount if it has been set. Even if you do not have all of this information, call anyway. A licensed bondsman can typically help you locate the necessary information through proper channels.

In Tennessee, licensed bail bondsmen typically charge a premium for their services. For Tennessee residents, the standard rate is generally 10% of the total bail amount as set by the court. For example, if bail is set at $10,000, the premium is typically $1,000. This premium is non-refundable — it is the fee for the bondsman's service and the financial risk they assume. Payment plans may be available depending on the bondsman and the circumstances. Always ask for a clear, written explanation of all fees before signing any agreement.

Once the bond is posted, release times vary depending on the jail's procedures and workload — typically anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. Have a plan ready: who will pick them up, where they will stay, and what support they may need. Make sure they understand their court date obligations, which are set by the court, not the bondsman. Missing a court date can have serious consequences, including potential bond revocation, a warrant for arrest, and the full bail amount becoming due.

After your loved one is home, the focus shifts to the legal process ahead. Help them secure qualified legal representation if they do not already have an attorney. Ensure they attend every court date as required by the court. Keep in touch with the bondsman and notify them of any changes in contact information. The bondsman is your partner throughout the case and needs to be able to reach the defendant with court reminders and updates.

Remember: an arrest is not a conviction. In the United States, your loved one is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The bail system exists to allow people to return to their families, jobs, and daily lives while their case proceeds through the courts. With the right support and qualified legal representation, you can get through this difficult time.

The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and may change over time. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified Tennessee attorney.