Your child calling to inform you they got arrested can be disappointing. What can you do to protect them? How you handle your child’s arrest can substantially affect them. You want to make informed decisions.
Here is what to consider doing when your child tells you they got arrested:
Ask the basic questions
When your child calls you, they may be panicking. Thus, help them calm down and ask them to explain what they understand about the charges and their location. When they provide you with this information, respond in a comforting tone while encouraging them to calm down.
Be careful about the questions you ask your child over the phone. Only obtain the details you need to get them immediate help – and tell them not to discuss the details of their situation with anybody over the phone, even you.
Tell them not to answer questions from the police
The police are required to notify you about your child’s arrest before interrogating them. However, they can question a child without a parent present in some instances.
Thus, actively remind your child to avoid answering questions from the police until you arrive. Encourage them to politely inform the police they will not speak without an attorney present. You can also inform the officer about this.
Take all situations seriously
Even if the crime that your child is charged with seems harmless in your eyes – a case of childish exuberance – the situation is serious and can drastically impact your child’s future. Staying calm and seeking legal guidance can help you determine the best ways to protect your child.