Criminal Defense Lawyers

What To Do First If a Loved One Is Arrested by Federal Agents

Steps to Follow if Someone You Love is Arrested by Federal Agents

One of the scariest moments in life may possibly be when federal agents show up at your door to arrest someone you love. It can be quite an emotional experience. The knocking on the door alone may be loud enough to inform everyone in the neighborhood just what is taking place. The agents may even bust through the door if you do not answer it quickly enough. These are all real possibilities when someone you love is arrested by federal agents. They can come in and take the person that you care about, all with little explanation. You will be left at a loss to even determine what to do next. That is why it is important to have these steps in mind in case someone that you love is arrested and taken away by federal agents.

The Initial Court Hearing

As soon as the shock of the arrest wears off, you should be aware that the next step is for your loved one to appear before a federal judge. This is a court proceeding that serves as the initial appearance for the individual who has just been arrested. It is at this appearance that everyone involved will find out just what the charges are and how they came about. It is also during this time that any rights that the arrested person has will be dictated to them and what, if any, possibility there is of being released pending trial. If the person is released, this initial court appearance will also dictate the terms of that release.

This is a lot to take in, and you are probably wondering how you will even find out where the hearing will take place. Since this all has come as a shock to you, the chances of you even knowing where your loved one has been taken is rather slim. If you are lucky, the agent that made the arrest will quickly inform you of the charges and where the court appearance will take place. If you were given that information, you can likely find the court online via an Internet search. This will be the courthouse that you need to contact. You can then call them and ask to be connected to the pretrial services office. Tell them the person’s name who was arrested and inquire when the court hearing is. If you call too quickly, they may not yet know. If so, give them a few hours and then try back again.

Retain an Attorney

As soon as you are secure in the knowledge of where your loved one is being held and when the initial court appearance will be, you will need to get them a lawyer. You will want to retain a lawyer that is familiar with federal law and who will represent your loved one at their initial court appearance. Your goal is to get the person out of jail and back home with you as quickly as possible. A lawyer can help make that happen, especially if your loved one has no prior criminal record. If you are unable to get a lawyer hired in time, a judge will ensure that someone from the federal public defender’s pool is there for the first court hearing. This is not a bad idea, particularly if you are unable to get your own lawyer there quickly enough. You can always go back after the hearing and hire an attorney of your own choosing.

Attend the Hearing

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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You will likely want to be there with your loved one at the initial court hearing. Make sure that you leave your home or office in plenty of time. When you arrive, you will want to check in with the office and see if there are any questions that you can help answer in order to assist your loved one in getting released. After the hearing, the hope is that you can both return home together. If that is not possible, make sure that you ask where the person is going to be held and have your attorney meet them there to start work on the defense.