There are few things more shocking than getting late night, "this is my one phone call" message from a friend or roommate.  On one hand you're trying to gather your thoughts so you can think straight.  On the other, the news that this person has been arrested and taken to jail can leave you feeling completely head spun.

In this type of situation you'll want to remember the three following things.

• Do your best to remain calm  This isn't something you need to get through alone.  At this point, the best thing to do involves gathering as much information as you can get your hands on.   Get the correct spelling of their name, which jail they have been taken to, their booking number, the crime they are being charged with and their bail amount.  Ask they need you to contact anyone and whether you need to call them off from work.
• Hire an experienced bail bonds agency  When you work with a reputable bondsman the process of arranging bail bonds can be quick, fast and easy.  Most people are surprised to learn there are some companies that let you fill out online bail bonds paperwork on your smart phone or tablet; you're able to e-sign everything.   Once the paperwork is filled out and the payment arrangements have been made an agent will head to the jail to post the bond.  In most cases the defendant will be released in a few hours.
• Determine if you need to call a lawyer If your friend has been accused of a very serious crime you may want to call an attorney.  A lawyer can go to the jail and stop police from interrogating them.  If the defendant does agree to be questioned their legal counsel can make sure they don't say anything that could hurt them in court.