Arrested While Traveling: It’s finally time for that vacation you and your friends have been planning and dreaming about for months! Visiting somewhere new is invigorating, if not a bit intimidating, and you have a good idea of all the different things you’d like to do! Sights, foods, drinks, and more are all on the list.
What you don’t have on the list, however, is one of your friends getting arrested. So what do you do if it happens?
You can do a few things to help your friend in this situation, but unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The most important thing to remember — no matter where you are traveling — is to contact an attorney as soon as possible. If you are in a foreign country, you will need to reach out to the U.S. consulate or embassy to inform them of the situation, but your friend will need to be the one who speaks with them.
Similarly, if your friend is arrested while traveling within the United States, they will also want to contact an attorney. Weber Law suggests contacting a defense attorney who can offer exceptional support for those who have been arrested and are possibly incarcerated while traveling. They can help you understand what you can do to support your friend.
How You Can Help Your Friend
Send Money
This can be used to bail themselves out of jail or hire an attorney. Make sure that you understand the process before transferring any sort of payment, especially if you are in a foreign country.
Gather Information About the Arrest
This includes the time and date of the arrest, where they are being held, and what the charges are. If you are in contact with an attorney, make sure that the law firm talking with your friend is also included in this information, all of which will be helpful to your friend’s family.
Attempt to Visit
This may not be possible depending on where they are being held, but if it is, it can help boost their morale and let them know they are not alone. Make sure that your safety is assured before moving forward with this decision.
Stay In Touch With Their Family
They will likely be very worried about their loved one’s arrest and will appreciate any updates you can provide. Give them any information you have, such as the charges against them, the arresting authority, where they are being held, and anything else that can be helpful.
Are You Worried About Your Legal Situation After Your Friend Got Arrested While Traveling?
If you are worried that you could be arrested in relation to your friend’s arrest, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Depending on the circumstances, you may be at risk of being charged with a crime yourself. For example, if drugs are involved in the arrest, you may be charged with drug possession even if the drugs did not belong to you.
Finding a Lawyer Is Always Your Best Option
The best way to protect yourself is to speak with an attorney who can help you understand the laws in the country you are visiting and in the United States. They can help you determine what, if any, charges you may be facing and how to best protect yourself moving forward.
No one ever wants to think about the possibility of their friend getting arrested while traveling on vacation, but it is important to be prepared just in case. By knowing what to do and who to contact, you can help support your friend through this difficult time.