If you find yourself arrested and facing criminal charges, it’s easy to imagine the worst and feel scared. Rather than get overwhelmed and panic, it’s important to assess the situation and figure out what to do next. Look over these steps when you find yourself in a tight spot so you can avoid a lengthy stay in jail while awaiting your court date.
Assess the Situation
First, figure out what criminal charges you are looking at and how serious they are. Do you have several criminal charges or just one? Is this relating to a traffic incident, or are you dealing with something more serious? It is also possible to have a criminal felony and a misdemeanor at the same time. Learning about your charges and understanding what the possible consequences are is important, so you know how to proceed.
Understand How To Get Out of Jail
If you are being taken to jail, it is important to bond out as soon as possible. You can usually have a friend or relative bail you out. If you cannot bail out due to lack of funds, it is possible to seek help from 24 hour bail bonds Allentown PA. If you do this, you’ll need to attend your court dates, or you risk being taken back to jail.
Start Planning Your Next Steps
Once you are out and you understand what your charges are, you should plan your next steps. This can include getting a lawyer who specializes in criminal law, being prepared to pay fines associated with your crime, getting help for an addiction or problem, or even making a plan for your family if you are expecting to do prison time. Having a plan can make life easier or at least give you peace of mind.
If you are arrested, it is still possible to manage your criminal charges. The key is knowing how to proceed and what to do next.