Any situation of being jailed or incarcerated will be a difficult one, and not just for the person who is actually going to jail either. Close family members and even close friends will often be heavily impacted by someone who matters to them being incarcerated, and may be looking for ways to cope with this reality.

At Beehive Bail Bonds, we regularly deal with family and friends of incarcerated individuals while providing 24/7 bail bonds around Park City, Heber City, SLC and nearby areas. Here are some basic tips for those in these roles on how to cope with the mental challenges here, plus how to manage some of the practical areas in which you might become involved.

Stay Informed on Their Case

Firstly, one of the most important things you can do is to keep up to date on their case. Knowing when court dates are, understanding the criminal justice system and how it works, as well as understanding what bail amounts may be set at also helps with being prepared for any changes or decisions that need to be made.

Today’s modern technology makes it easier than ever to stay up to date, with many court systems having websites that you can log in to and check the progress on a case. If your friend or loved one retains an attorney, they may be able to provide you with regular updates as well.

Be Involved in the Bail Bond Process

If your friend or loved one is granted a bail bond, they may need assistance in getting the funds together to pay for it. If you can contribute financially, then this will help immensely. In cases where that isn’t possible, look into any local charity organizations or groups who may be able to provide financial assistance toward bail bonds.

In some cases, you may need to be involved in the process of getting a bail bond itself. Becoming an “indemnitor” (which is essentially a co-signer on the bond) can help to reduce the overall amount that needs to be paid by your friend or loved one to secure their release.

Develop a Plan to Move Forward

Whether or not bail was given in the case, it is important to develop a plan for your loved one to move forward. This could include things like finding a job, attending therapy sessions or any other action that might help them stay out of trouble in the future.

This will also include plans for the upcoming case that your friend or loved one is facing. Depending on the charges and their specific situation, this could include meetings with an attorney, researching potential defense strategies, or anything related to the case itself.

Look Into Character References

Depending on the nature of the case, one thing that may greatly benefit your friend or loved one is to gather together character references. People who can speak positively about them and their past behavior can be a powerful tool when it comes to demonstrating that they are still capable of making positive choices in the future.

These may be friends, family members, teachers or other people who have generally positive things to say about the person in question. If you can help to put together a collection of these references, it will be helpful in the long run for them and their case.

Self-Care is Important, Too

Especially when it’s someone extremely close to you, like a sibling or a child, some people naturally get very worried during these settings – to the point where they neglect their own mental health and wellbeing. Don’t forget to take care of yourself in these times as well, both mentally and physically. There are a variety of different outlets such as exercising, meditation or simply spending time with your friends that can help you stay positive during difficult situations like this.

You should also remember to practice patience and remain positive. Don’t lose hope during these trying times. You should be there for your friend or loved one, and support them as best you can to help them move through this tough period with as much ease as possible.

By following the tips above, you can provide a valuable service for your friend or loved one who is going through the difficult experience of jail or incarceration. Understanding the process and being involved can help to make this time a bit easier both for them and for you.

At Beehive Bail Bonds, our team of experienced professionals has helped countless people in the Salt Lake City, Park City and Heber areas get through this trying time. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help!