Inmates often lose touch with their friends and family they get lost in the system and they forget about important deadlines for filing documents.

By helping your incarcerated loved one develop a reentry plan you can boost their chances of getting out early. Just be careful to set boundaries and avoid enabling negative behaviors.

1. Call the Police

Having a friend or loved one in jail is a devastating emotional experience for anyone. They may feel anger, guilt, loneliness and betrayal. According to an organization that helps families of incarcerated people, it can even feel like the death of a loved one.

When a family member is arrested, it is important to stay calm and collect as much information as possible. It is a good idea to ask for the arrest number and the name of the police agency. It is also a good idea to get the badge and name of the officers involved in the arrest.

Another piece of crucial information to collect is the name and contact number of their public defender. This is essential if they are going to be representing themselves in court.

2. Contact a Lawyer

When someone you love goes to jail, it can be traumatic for everyone involved. But that doesn’t have to mean the end of your relationship.

If you can’t visit your loved one in prison write them letters. Share your moments of joy and keep them updated on your life. They will appreciate the opportunity to connect and see a familiar face.

Scammers often target people who have recently lost a loved one, and they may try to take advantage of you by asking for personal or financial information over the phone. Never give out this information to anyone you don’t know.

An experienced parole lawyer can help your loved one prepare for their upcoming parole hearing. They can also work to get your loved one released on bail so they can continue to work and build a solid life.

For legal assistance contact a lawyer specialized in handling cases related the golden boy bail bonds south bay detention can provide guidance.

3. Contact the District Attorney’s Office

The district attorney’s office can be a great resource for individuals who are seeking information about the criminal justice system. They can help victims navigate the process and assist them with forms that need to be completed if their offenders are sentenced to state prison facilities.

They can also provide valuable information regarding parole hearing dates and upcoming court appearances. They can also help family members and loved ones find community resources that can help them cope with the emotional stress and stigma associated with incarceration.

While it may feel like your world is crumbling, remember that your life doesn’t have to revolve around your loved one’s arrest. Take steps to reclaim your joy and practice healthy coping mechanisms. For example, avoid alcohol and other substances that numb feelings.

4. Visit the Jail

Visiting an incarcerated loved one can be a difficult, but fostering that connection can be beneficial to them long-term. Studies have shown that incarcerated men and women are more successful when they maintain a positive connection with family and friends.

Before your visit, ask the inmate to put you on their visiting list. Then, make sure you arrive early and on time. Prisons run on a strict schedule, and visits are often shortened or canceled if visitors are late.

Wear comfortable, appropriate clothing. Avoid jewelry and other items that could be seen as a temptation. You may also want to bring money to place on your loved one’s commissary account through JPay. If you are traveling a far distance, ask the prison in advance about special visitation arrangements.

5. Check the Local Government Website

A lot of information about local news and resources is compiled by local governments and shared on their websites. This ensures that citizens have access to the most relevant information, regardless of when it is needed. It is also a great way to build trust between local government and the communities they serve.

It can be very stressful to have a loved one behind bars. Research shows that it increases the risk of homelessness and leads to mental health problems like depression, drug abuse and alcohol dependency. It can also impact children leading to low academic achievement, obesity and a higher chance of drug and alcohol addiction.

In addition, family members can become targets for extortion and blackmail. For this reason, it is important to learn about your local jail’s disciplinary and legal processes so you can help your loved ones cope.