Vacation is a time for people to let loose and forget about their troubles. In a place like New Orleans, letting loose often involves a fair amount of drinking. Sometimes, the good times roll a little too far and even decent, well-meaning people can find themselves in trouble. If a friend or loved one is arrested, follow these steps and then contact NOLA Criminal Law.
Get as Many Details as Possible
For people who witness the arrest, ask the arresting officers the name of the charge and what the friend is being booked for. For those who find out on the phone, ask the same questions and get any additional information about the incident. These will help arrange bail in order to get the friend out and arrange for a criminal lawyer.
Help Your Friend Find a Criminal Lawyer Immediately
Every time police arrest someone, they are required to inform the arrested individual of their Miranda rights, including the right to an attorney and the right to remain silent. Inform the friend that they should exercise that right, not speak with the police, and wait until they have a lawyer present, no matter how late it is. Trouble with the law isn’t confined to regular business hours. A good criminal lawyer will make themselves available to clients at all times.
Arrange for a Ride and Show Compassion
When a person is released from holding, they are going to be in need of a ride and a good friend. For people in the same area, meet the friend as they’re released. It’s easy in this situation to get angry or lecture the friend for all the trouble they’ve caused, but that’s not helpful. Know that the friend has just spent many hours in a place nobody wants to be, and much of that time was likely filled with regret and self-criticism. There will be time to talk about it later.
Townsend Myers of NOLA Criminal Law has over twenty years experience helping people in difficult situations in New Orleans, including visitors and tourists in trouble with the law. Call 504-571-9529 for immediate legal assistance or fill out our contact form if a friend or loved one is in need of representation.
