The first priorities

Do not let urgency turn into avoidable mistakes.

An arrest may produce paperwork, property receipts, release conditions, court information, and instructions that are easy to misplace or misunderstand. Keep every document together and read each condition carefully.

Protect the paperwork

Keep copies of bond documents, notices, property records, citations, and anything identifying a court, agency, date, or case number. Do not write on original documents if doing so could obscure information.

Follow release conditions

Conditions may limit contact, travel, alcohol use, driving, or other activity. The exact terms depend on the case. If a condition is unclear, ask an attorney before guessing.

Preserve what you remember

Write a private timeline for your attorney while details are fresh. Identify potential witnesses and preserve relevant messages, photographs, video, receipts, or location information. Do not post about the incident publicly.

The next deadline may not be the date that feels most obvious. Have an attorney review the paperwork promptly.

What the first legal conversation should accomplish

  • Identify the accusation and current status.
  • Find any immediate deadlines or restrictions.
  • Determine what evidence should be preserved.
  • Discuss what not to do while the matter is pending.
  • Clarify whether the case fits the attorney’s practice.