What Do I Do If My Spouse Is Arrested?
An unexpected call to inform you that your husband or wife has been arrested for a crime in Houston or the surrounding area can be incredibly stressful. You may have no idea where to turn or what to do next. Thankfully, there are experienced professionals who can guide you toward the best possible outcome given the specifics of your loved one’s arrest.
One of the very first things you can do in the initial conversation in which your spouse informs you that they have been arrested is to remind them of their right to remain silent. A person can find themselves stressed and emotional when facing criminal charges, they may unintentionally say something that can be used against them as their charges proceed. And after you are off the phone with your spouse, your next step is to connect with a Houston criminal lawyer.
Exploring Bail Options
Once your spouse has committed to staying silent to protect themselves, you can explore bail options. Many people mistakenly believe that posting bail is like throwing money out of the window because they have heard from friends or family that the full fund amount was not returned. In reality, bail money is not giving it away, but if you owe court costs later they could be deducted from that amount. Court costs will need to be paid one way or another.
If you do not have enough liquid assets to cover a bail amount, you may want to talk to a bondsman. A bondsman will charge you 10% of the amount they put up. You will not receive those funds back, this is the percentage a bondsman charges for loaning you the bail money.
Hire a Texas Defense Attorney
While it is true that a public defender will be assigned to your spouse’s case if it advances to trial, hiring your own legal representation means a seasoned professional will be working on your case right away and investigating the possibility of getting your spouse’s charges dropped or reduced.
It is important to understand that there is a pre-filing phase when it comes to criminal cases. Essentially, this is the timeframe after an arrest when law enforcement reports are advanced to a state office so prosecution can begin. This phase typically takes about a month. Public defenders are connected with cases once prosecution begins, after the pre-filing.
To protect your spouse’s freedom and alleviate stress on your family, talk to a Houston criminal lawyer as soon as possible. It is upsetting to have a spouse arrested, but there is a path forward.
Did you find yourself shocked to receive a call that your Texas husband or wife was arrested? It is normal to feel upset, but there are also steps you need to take to protect your spouse’s future. Talk to a skilled lawyer about what to do next. Once you connect with the legal team at Ayson Law Firm, our lawyers will build an optimal defense strategy for your spouse’s situation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
