As a parent, your children are the light of your life. You want the best for them, but sometimes being in the wrong place at the wrong time can land them in legal trouble. Hearing that your child has been arrested is terrifying. You feel helpless, confused, and sometimes ashamed. You might be thinking, “Is this really happening?” “What do I say when I see them?” “How do I get them out of jail right now?”
These are common questions that can cloud your mind during a time of duress. We’ve helped hundreds of parents in McKinney through this moment, and we want you to know: your support is more important than ever. The first hours and days after an arrest matter. This guide will walk you through the next steps with urgency, clarity, and compassion.
Stay Calm and Gather the Facts
Your instinct might be to panic or demand answers from your child. But your calm presence is the first real help they’ll get.
Take a breath. Then ask these questions:
- Where are they being held? (Which jail, what city?)
- What are the charges?
- What’s the bail amount?
- Have they had a bail hearing yet?
If they can’t answer, call the jail—or let us do it for you. We can help track your child’s status, bail amount, and next steps. The best part is, we understand arrests don’t happen on a schedule. That’s why we’re available 24/7 to help.
Talk to Your Child the Right Way
If you’re able to speak to them (by phone or in person), your tone is everything. Skip the lectures for now. This is a high-stress moment where your reassurance matters more than your reaction.
Say things like:
- “I’m here. We’re going to get you through this.”
- “You don’t have to explain everything now. Let’s focus on getting you home.”
Also, remind them:
- They have the right to remain silent.
- They should not talk to police without an attorney present.
- Respectful behavior can help them avoid further complications.
Call an Attorney ASAP
No matter the charge—whether it’s shoplifting, a college fight, or a more serious allegation—your child needs legal representation immediately. A criminal defense attorney will:
- Guide them through the legal process
- Help protect their rights
- Advise on entering a plea
- Build a defense strategy
If you don’t have a lawyer on hand, we work closely with attorneys in McKinney and Collin County and can recommend trusted options.
Secure a Bail Bond Quickly
Once bail is set, your child can be released from jail, but posting the full amount upfront (which can be thousands of dollars) is out of reach for most families. That’s where 1st Call Bail Bonds comes in.
We make the bail bond process easy by only charging 10% of the bail amount. This helps you avoid draining your savings and gets your child home as quickly as possible.
We’ll explain the process in plain English, handle the paperwork, and walk you through every step. The sooner you call us, the sooner they’re home.
Provide Stability at Home
Once your child is out on bail, they may feel embarrassed, anxious, or even angry. Your home should be the place where they feel safe, reconnect with you, and begin taking responsibility for what happened.
Tips for navigating this time include:
- Have open conversations, not interrogations.
- Be firm about court requirements and next steps.
- Set healthy boundaries, but stay emotionally available.
- If needed, get support from a counselor or therapist.
Know the Legal Timeline (and Stay on Top of It)
The court process may involve multiple steps: arraignments, pre-trial hearings, probation conditions, and more. Missing a single court date can lead to your child being re-arrested and you losing the money you put up for bail.
Stay on track by marking all court dates clearly on your calendar, setting reminders for attorney or bondsman check-ins, and keeping regular contact with your bail agent.
At 1st Call, we’ll send reminders, help explain court paperwork, and ensure you and your child know exactly what’s coming next.
Get Through This Rocky Chapter With 1st Call Bail Bonds
Mistakes happen, and it’s important to remember that a single bad chapter in a book isn’t the whole story. We’re here to help you bring your child home and give your family space to breathe, regroup, and move forward.
At 1st Call Bail Bonds, we bring no judgment, no runaround—just fast, reliable help from local professionals who care.
Contact us today to start your bail bond application.
