It’s typically a difficult experience for any family member to hear that a loved one was arrested and/or jailed for any reason, and drug-related charges are especially worrisome for some in this position. Not only does a drug-related offense concern family members due to the individual being booked into jail, but related themes of substance abuse disorders or other similar risks are also at play here.

At Beehive Bail Bonds, we offer 24/7 bail bond services to clients charged with any kind of offense, including drug-related charges of any sort — and we often work with friends or family members who are providing assistance to someone who has been incarcerated for this reason. Here are some of the ways you can assist a loved one in this position, from securing their jail release to potentially assisting with getting them help for their drug issues.

Contact the Jail and Confirm Details

The first step if you know your family member is currently in jail is to work toward getting them out, and this first involves confirming the details of their incarceration. Depending on the offense and other circumstances, you may be able to secure their release by paying a bond or contacting the jail directly to inquire about their status and what needs to be done to get them out.

It’s important that you have as much information as possible when beginning this process, including your loved one’s full name, date of birth, and the offense they were charged with. With this information in hand, you should be able to start working on getting them released from jail as soon as possible.

In some cases, you may have to call more than one jail if you’re unsure of which facility your family member is being held in — but this information can typically be found by contacting the arresting police department.

Finding Out About Bail

In nearly every drug-related offense where the offender in question has been jailed, there will be an opportunity to post bail and secure their release until their court date. Bail is essentially an insurance policy that ensures the individual will return for their court appearance, and it’s set by a judge at the offender’s arraignment hearing. The amount of bail can vary significantly depending on the offense, criminal history, and other factors.

One of your major goals should be finding out exactly how much bail has been set at and whether or not you can afford it. You typically have a few options for posting bail, including paying the full amount in cash, using collateral to secure a loan from a bail bond agency, or working with a cosigner who can help you post bail.

Utilizing a Bail Bond Agency if Needed

If you’re unable to post bail on your own, a bail bond agency can help you get your loved one released from jail until their court date. At Beehive Bail Bonds, we offer 24/7 bail bond services to clients across Utah, and we work quickly to get them out of jail as soon as possible. We understand how difficult and stressful it can be to have a loved one in jail, which is why we offer free consultations and work with you to create a payment plan that fits your budget.

In order to qualify for a bail bond, you typically need to have some kind of collateral — such as a car, home, or other valuable property — that can be used as security for the loan. You’ll also need to sign an agreement that states the defendant will appear for all court appearances related to the case, and if they fail to do so, you could be subject to arrest yourself.

Once bail has been posted, your loved one will be released from jail and able to return home until their court date. It’s important to keep in mind that posting bail does not mean the charges have been dropped or that your loved one is innocent — it simply means they’re free until their day in court.

Showing Up for Court

Another major role friends and family can and should play in assisting a loved one facing drug charges is to ensure they show up for all court appearances. This includes not only the initial arraignment hearing but also any subsequent pre-trial conferences, motions hearings, and of course, the trial itself. In some cases, a defendant may be required to wear a GPS monitor or abstain from drug use entirely in order to be released on their own recognizance.

If your loved one fails to appear in court or violates the terms of their release, they could be subject to arrest and a warrant being issued for their arrest. In some cases, bail may also be increased if the defendant is deemed a flight risk. There are even cases where you could get in legal trouble if you knowingly help the defendant avoid arrest, so it’s important to ensure they comply with all court-ordered requirements.

Getting Help for Drug Issues

While we should be very clear that a drug arrest does not automatically mean someone you love has a drug or substance abuse disorder, there are many cases where this is unfortunately the case. If your loved one is facing drug charges and you suspect they may have a problem, there are a number of resources available to help them get treatment.

Substance abuse disorders can be very difficult to overcome without professional help, and there are many programs available to those struggling with addiction. These programs can provide individuals with the tools they need to overcome their addiction and lead a sober life. There are numerous websites, hotlines, and other resources available to help you find the right treatment program for your loved one, and we encourage you to reach out for help if you think they may be struggling with addiction.

If your loved one has been arrested and charged with a drug-related offense, it’s important to know how to best assist them through the legal process. From securing their release through bail to ensuring they comply with all court-ordered requirements, there are a number of ways you can help them through this difficult time. And if you suspect they may be struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

At Beehive Bail Bonds, we specialize in helping clients across Utah get their loved ones out of jail. Get in touch with our bail bond agents immediately if you have any such need.