The First 72 Hours: What to Do When Your Loved One Is Arrested

If you’re reading this, you’re probably scared. That’s okay. Let’s get through this together, one step at a time.

Before We Start

Take a breath.

What you’re feeling right now—the panic, the confusion, the fear—is completely normal. Millions of families have been exactly where you are. You’re not alone.

This guide will walk you through the first 72 hours. Not legal advice. Just practical steps from people who’ve been there.

Hour 0-6: Immediate Steps

What’s Happening Right Now

If your loved one was just arrested:

They’re being processed (fingerprints, photos, paperwork)
They may be held at a local facility or federal courthouse
They cannot call you during processing
You won’t have information yet—this is normal

What You Should Do

1. Write down everything you know:

Time of arrest
Where it happened
What agency (FBI, DEA, Marshals?)
Any case numbers given

2. Do NOT:

Post on social media
Call the jail/courthouse repeatedly
Try to send money yet
Panic (easier said than done, I know)

3. Wait for the first call:

It may be collect
Accept it
Listen more than talk
Remember: ALL CALLS ARE RECORDED

The Recording Warning

This is critical: Every phone call from custody is recorded and can be used as evidence.

When they call:

Don’t discuss the case details
Don’t admit anything
Don’t speculate
Just express love and support
Ask what they need (lawyer contact info, etc.)

Hour 6-24: Getting Information

Finding Out Where They Are

Federal custody:

BOP Inmate Locator won’t show them yet (takes days)
Call the Marshals Service for the district where arrested
Ask attorney if one has been contacted

Initial appearance/arraignment:

Usually within 24-48 hours of arrest
This is when you’ll learn more about charges
May be able to attend (ask attorney)

The Lawyer Question

Public defender vs. private attorney:

Factor	Public Defender	Private Attorney
Cost	Free if eligible	$10,000-$250,000+
Quality	Often excellent	Varies widely
Caseload	High	Lower
Choice	Assigned	You choose

Reality check: Public defenders handle most federal cases. Many are highly experienced. Cost doesn’t always equal quality.

Bail in Federal Cases

Honest truth: Bail in federal cases is rare.

Most federal defendants are detained until trial because:

Federal cases are typically more serious
Flight risk is presumed higher
Prosecutors often argue for detention

If bail is possible:

Will be discussed at initial appearance
May require property, cash, or bond
Conditions are strict

Day 1-3: Establishing Contact

When to Expect the First Real Call

After initial processing:

They’ll have limited phone access
Calls are expensive and time-limited
May take 24-72 hours for first call
Be patient—this is normal

Setting Up Phone Account

You’ll need to set up an account to receive calls:

System varies by facility (Securus, GTL, etc.)
Create account online or by phone
Add funds (recommend $20-50 initially)
Prepaid is usually required

What They Can Tell You (And What They Can’t)

Can discuss:

How they’re being treated
What they need (commissary, clothing)
General emotional support
Attorney contact information

Should NOT discuss:

Details of the alleged crime
Other people involved
Evidence or witnesses
Strategy

Day 3-7: Planning Ahead

The Designation Process

After court proceedings, they’ll be “designated” to a federal facility:

Can take 2-8 weeks
DSCC (Designation and Sentence Computation Center) decides
You can request preferred facilities but no guarantees
Factors: security level, medical needs, proximity to family

Timeline Reality Check

Here’s a realistic timeline of what to expect:

Phase	Timeframe	What Happens
Arrest to initial appearance	24-72 hours	Processing, first court hearing
Pre-trial detention	Weeks to months	Held at local facility or federal courthouse
Sentencing (if plea or verdict)	2-6 months post-arrest	Judge issues sentence
Designation to facility	2-8 weeks post-sentencing	DSCC assigns permanent facility
Transit (“Diesel Therapy”)	1-6 weeks	Transfer to designated facility
Arrival at facility	Variable	CorrLinks and regular contact resume

Total time from arrest to stable communication: 3-6 months minimum.

This is brutal to read. But knowing the timeline helps you plan instead of panic.

Be prepared for:

Weeks of uncertainty
Limited contact during transfers
Slow information flow
Frustration with the system

Telling Others

This is personal. Only you know what’s right for your situation.

If you need to tell employers:

“[Name] is dealing with a serious personal matter. We’ll have updates soon.”

If you need to tell family:

“[Name] has been arrested. We don’t have all the information yet. I’ll share what I can when I can.”

If you need to tell children: See our guide: Talking to Children About Incarceration

Financial Triage

Immediate priorities:

Attorney costs (if hiring private)
Basic household bills
Phone/communication funds
Commissary (once they’re placed)

Can wait:

Travel for visits (they won’t be placed yet)
Large commissary deposits

The Communication Blackout Period

Weeks 2-6: The Hardest Part

After initial court proceedings and before facility placement:

Contact is extremely limited
They may be in transit (“Diesel Therapy”)
You may not know where they are
This is terrifying but temporary

Tracking Location

During this period:

BOP Inmate Locator may update slowly
Attorney may have information
Patience is your only option

Coping Strategies

Connect with other families (support groups, Facebook)
Take care of yourself (you matter too)
Prepare for their placement (research facilities)
Start thinking about long-term communication

Once They’re Designated

What Changes

Once they reach their permanent facility:

Regular phone calls become possible
Email (CorrLinks) becomes available
Visitation can be scheduled
Routine can be established

Communication Setup

CorrLinks (email):

They’ll add you to their contact list
You’ll receive an invitation
Takes 2-3 days for approval
See our Complete CorrLinks Guide

Phone:

Set up account with facility’s provider
Add funds
Schedule regular call times if possible

Visits:

Apply for visitor approval (background check)
Learn facility-specific rules
Plan travel logistics

Getting Through This

You’re Allowed to Feel

Angry
Scared
Sad
Ashamed
Relieved (that the uncertainty is over)
All of the above at once

None of these feelings are wrong.

Resources for You

If you need to talk to someone right now:

988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call or text, anytime.
SAMHSA — 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Free, confidential, 24/7.

Organizations that help:

Prison Fellowship — Resources on what to expect at every stage
FAMM — Advocacy and support for families
Prison Families Alliance — Free support groups, online and in-person

Find your people:

Strong Prison Wives and Families — 30,000+ on Facebook
Prison Talk Online — Someone’s always awake

What Comes Next

This guide covers the first 72 hours. But you’ll need more:

A Final Note

The system is confusing, slow, and often cruel to families. None of this is your fault. You’re doing the best you can.

The days and weeks ahead will be hard. But families get through this. Relationships survive. People come home.

One step at a time.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult with an attorney for specific legal questions.

Last updated: July 2025

The First 72 Hours: What to Do When Your Loved One Is Arrested (Federal Guide)