Vacations are meant to be relaxing—but what happens if a fun trip suddenly turns into a legal nightmare? Imagine you and a friend are traveling together and they get arrested. It’s a stressful, unexpected situation, but staying calm and knowing what to do next can make all the difference.
At Just Criminal Law, we’re here to help guide you through what steps to take if your friend gets arrested while you're out of town.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Gather Key Information
If your friend is arrested—say for a DUI—the first thing you should do is ask the arresting officer the following:
- Where will my friend be taken? (Which jail or detention center?)
- What are the specific charges?
- Will they be allowed to make a phone call once in custody?
Remaining respectful and composed while collecting this information will help you assist your friend more effectively.
Step 2: Remind Your Friend to Plead Not Guilty
Often, people who are arrested while traveling are tempted to plead guilty just to speed up the process and avoid missing flights or disrupting their plans. But this can lead to lasting consequences.
Important: Always advise your friend to plead not guilty until they’ve had a chance to speak with a qualified defense attorney. Pleading guilty prematurely can close doors to future legal options—and it’s often irreversible.
Step 3: Help Them Find a Qualified Attorney
Once your friend is in custody and has entered a not-guilty plea, your next role is to help them secure legal representation. Use your resources to:
- Search online for criminal defense attorneys in the area.
- Check Google and social media reviews to see what past clients have said.
- Visit the attorney’s website to look for affiliations with reputable legal organizations.
- Watch any video content or educational posts to get a feel for their approach and communication style.
These are all great indicators of the attorney's experience and reputation.
Step 4: Avoid Posting or Talking About the Case
This part is critical. Do not post anything on social media about your friend’s arrest or the circumstances surrounding it. Also, avoid discussing the case with them over recorded jail phone calls. Anything you say—online or over the phone—could be used against them later in court.
We’re Here If You Need Us
If your friend gets into legal trouble in Wyoming or South Dakota, Just Criminal Law is ready to help. With years of experience and a team dedicated to criminal defense, we’re prepared to protect your friend’s rights and fight for the best outcome.