If you or someone in your family has been arrested, you’re probably scared and worried about what will happen next. The criminal justice system is complex, but navigating it without legal guidance can lead to an unfavorable case outcome. Taking immediate action as advised by an attorney is crucial to protect rights and ensure the best possible outcome. If this is what you’re facing, here are some tips for managing the situation with the least amount of stress.

1. Hire an attorney immediately

Don’t go another day without hiring a criminal defense attorney, whether it’s for you or your loved one. Whoever is facing charges will need a qualified legal professional to navigate the system or they might lose their case. Even small mistakes like improperly filed paperwork and missed deadlines can put a case in jeopardy.

For example, say someone is facing healthcare fraud charges. That’s not a charge anyone should attempt to battle alone. Not only are you more likely to get convicted when you don’t have a lawyer, but you’re also likely to get the maximum allowable penalty in terms of fines and jail time. Hiring an attorney is the only way to get a white collar crime charge dropped or reduced. You might still get convicted, but a lawyer can negotiate a lower sentence with smaller fines.

2. Stay calm and gather information

Don’t panic. It will cloud your judgment. Stay composed and calm so you can act rationally – you will need to make important decisions with a clear mind. First, if the person arrested is a loved one, contact local law enforcement to determine where they’re being held. When you find them, ask about posting their bail. Depending on the charges, they may not be eligible for bail, or the judge could have set an extremely high bail. In that case, encourage your loved one to wait for an attorney before making any statements to anyone, no matter how casual the conversation seems.

3. Understand the legal process

It helps to understand what happens following an arrest. Generally speaking, the first stage will be their arraignment, where they will be formally charged and asked to enter a plea. After that, they’ll have a bail hearing where a judge will determine if they can be released on bail and under what conditions.

The next phase will be pretrial hearings and conferences to discuss matters like evidence admissibility, witness lists, and plea negotiations. There could also be discovery hearings where the prosecution and defense exchange case information.

There’s also a chance that the prosecution will offer a plea bargain. Most criminal cases don’t go to trial and instead, they end with a plea deal. This is where prosecutors offer a lesser charge and/or a reduced sentence in exchange for a guilty plea. This is one of the most important times to have a lawyer because they’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of the deal. Prosecutors are less likely to offer a favorable deal to a defendant who doesn’t have a lawyer, and since you won’t know any better, you won’t be able to negotiate effectively.

If a plea deal isn’t accepted, the case will go to trial, and that’s where things get more complicated. If there’s no bench trial, a jury will be selected and a trial by jury will proceed.

4. Prepare for court appearances

Showing up late or missing a court appearance can result in additional charges or a bench warrant. Even if you’re not the one facing charges, there may be times when you’ll need to go to court, and it’s important to do everything right. Do everything possible to be on time, especially if you’re being called as a witness. Dress appropriately and act respectfully. Avoid casual clothing and don’t be combative. Demonstrate respect to everyone in the courtroom, including the clerks and bailiffs.

5. Be supportive

Legal proceedings are stressful, so if a loved one is facing charges, support them as much as possible. Go to court throughout their trial to show them they aren’t alone. Even just a quiet presence can be powerful.

Navigate the legal system with a lawyer

Facing criminal charges is a daunting experience, but with a support system that includes help from a lawyer, it’s much easier. Whether you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, don’t try to navigate the system alone. Get an attorney as soon as possible for the best possible outcome.