Educational content only — not legal advice.
At a local jail, booking records basic info and property. Families should confirm the facility and booking number, note the first court date, and ask when a lawyer can speak with them. Treat non-legal calls as recorded — share logistics only (who/when/where), not case facts.
Start here
- Confirm: facility name, booking number, arresting agency, next court/arraignment date.
- Point person: choose one family contact to relay updates and reduce confusion.
- Quiet channels: keep group texts factual; ask friends to pause social posts.
One-folder paperwork
- Full legal name & DOB, booking number, citation/case number.
- Property receipt, medication list, and any medical instructions from the facility.
- Contact details for counsel and transportation; save receipts and call logs.
Bond/Bail: Ask counsel whether to post immediately or wait for a hearing. Keep every receipt and any release-condition paperwork.
After release or transfer
- Update your timeline; store new documents and instructions from the facility or court.
- Schedule a legal consult and add court dates to a shared calendar with reminders.
- Plan logistics: rides, childcare, school/work notices.