Getting a phone call that a family member or friend has been arrested is one of the most stressful experiences anyone can face. In that moment, your mind races with questions: Where are they? Are they okay? What do I do now? At Broadway Bail Bonds, we have helped thousands of North Carolina families through this exact situation. This guide will walk you through exactly what to do, step by step, so you can take action quickly and effectively.
Quick Action Checklist
- • Stay calm and gather information
- • Find out where they are being held
- • Learn the charges and bail amount
- • Contact a bail bondsman
- • Prepare for their release
- • Plan for next steps (attorney, court dates)
1Stay Calm and Gather Information
The first and most important step is to take a deep breath. Panicking will not help your loved one, and making rushed decisions can lead to mistakes. You have time to handle this properly—most people are not released within the first few hours anyway due to booking and processing.
Take a Moment
It is okay to feel shocked or upset. These feelings are completely normal.
Get Details From the Call
If they called you, ask where they are and what they were charged with.
If your loved one was able to call you, try to get as much information as possible: the name of the jail or detention center, what they were charged with, and whether bail has been set. Write this down—you will need it later.
2Find Out Where They Are Being Held
If you do not know where your loved one is being held, you can find out by calling local jails or using online inmate search tools. In North Carolina, most counties have online inmate lookup systems that are updated regularly.
How to Locate an Inmate in NC
- County Jail Websites: Most NC counties have online inmate search (Guilford, Wake, Mecklenburg, etc.)
- Call the Jail: Contact the county detention center directly
- NC DPS Offender Search: For state facilities at webapps.doc.state.nc.us
- Ask a Bail Bondsman: We can often locate someone faster than you can
You will need their full legal name and date of birth to search. If you cannot find them online, they may still be in the booking process—it can take several hours before they appear in the system.
3Learn the Charges and Bail Amount
Once you locate your loved one, you need to find out what they are charged with and whether bail has been set. In North Carolina, a magistrate reviews every arrest and sets bail conditions, usually within a few hours of booking.
Charges: Know what offense(s) they are accused of—misdemeanor vs. felony makes a difference
Bail Amount: The dollar amount set by the magistrate for their release
Bond Type: Secured (requires payment) vs. unsecured (promise to pay if they fail to appear)
Conditions: Any special conditions like no contact orders or travel restrictions
Understanding Bail Types in NC
Secured Bond: Requires posting the full amount or using a bail bondsman (most common). Unsecured Bond: Released without payment, but owe the full amount if they miss court. Written Promise: No money required, just a signed promise to appear.
4Contact a Bail Bondsman
Unless you can pay the full bail amount in cash (which is refunded at the end of the case), you will need a bail bondsman. A bondsman posts the full bail on behalf of your loved one in exchange for a non-refundable premium—typically 15% in North Carolina.
What to Tell the Bail Bondsman
- • Full legal name of the defendant
- • Date of birth
- • Where they are being held
- • Charges (if known)
- • Bail amount (if set)
- • Your relationship to them
Need Immediate Help?
Broadway Bail Bonds is available 24/7 to help your family
Call (336) 266-4082 Now5Prepare for Their Release
Once bail is posted, the jail will process the release. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the facility and how busy they are. Use this time to prepare for when your loved one gets out.
Plan Transportation
Be ready to pick them up or arrange a ride. Most jails are not near public transit.
Prepare Emotional Support
They will likely be exhausted, stressed, and possibly embarrassed. Be patient.
Get Release Paperwork
They will receive documents showing their court date. Keep these safe.
Review Bond Conditions
Make sure everyone understands any restrictions or requirements.
6Plan for Next Steps
Getting released on bail is just the beginning. There are important next steps to handle in the days and weeks following the arrest.
Consult an Attorney
Even for minor charges, speaking with a criminal defense attorney is wise. Many offer free consultations.
Track Court Dates
Mark all court dates on a calendar. Missing a court date can result in arrest and forfeiture of bail.
Stay in Communication
Keep the bail bondsman updated on any address or phone number changes. This is required by the bond agreement.
Critical: Do Not Miss Court
The most important thing after release is appearing at every court date. If your loved one fails to appear, a warrant will be issued for their arrest, you may lose any collateral or become responsible for the full bail amount, and the situation becomes much more serious.
Tips for Supporting Your Loved One
Beyond the practical steps, your emotional support matters tremendously. Here is how you can help:
Listen without judgment: They may need to talk about what happened. Let them share at their own pace.
Help with practical matters: They may need help with work, childcare, or other responsibilities while dealing with the case.
Encourage positive steps: Whether it is finding an attorney, attending counseling, or making life changes, support their efforts.
Set healthy boundaries: Supporting someone does not mean enabling problematic behavior. It is okay to have limits.
Broadway Bail Bonds Is Here to Help
Navigating an arrest is stressful, but you do not have to do it alone. Broadway Bail Bonds has been helping North Carolina families for years, and we understand both the practical and emotional challenges you are facing. We offer:
- 24/7 availability: Arrests do not wait for business hours, and neither do we
- Fast processing: We work quickly to get your loved one home
- Flexible payment plans: We work with families on payment arrangements
- Experienced guidance: We will explain every step of the process
- Statewide service: We cover all of North Carolina
If your loved one has been arrested in North Carolina, call Broadway Bail Bonds now at (336) 266-4082. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we are ready to help your family through this difficult time.
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Broadway Bail Bonds is available 24/7 to help your family. Call us now for immediate assistance anywhere in North Carolina.