How to Support a Loved One Facing Criminal Charges in Louisiana
When someone you love is arrested, everything changes in an instant. The phone call. The fear. The questions you don't have answers to. If you've never navigated the criminal justice system before, the whole process can feel disorienting and isolating.
At Bynog Advocacy and Defense in Lafayette, we work with families every day who are going through this. And one of the most important things we tell them is this: your support matters more than you know, but it has to be the right kind of support.
Here is a practical guide for families and loved ones of someone facing criminal charges in Louisiana.
The First 24 Hours
The period immediately following an arrest is critical. Here's what to focus on.
Find out where they are. In Louisiana, a person who has been arrested will be booked at the parish jail. You can call the jail directly to confirm they are being held there and to ask about visitation policies and bail information.
Do not discuss the case on a jail phone. This is one of the most important things to understand. Phone calls from jail are recorded. Every call. Anything your loved one says on a jail phone — to you, to a friend, to anyone — can be used as evidence against them. Tell them clearly: do not talk about the case on the phone. The only person they should discuss the details with is their attorney.
Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. The earlier an attorney is involved, the better. An experienced defense attorney can attend the first court appearance, begin gathering evidence, advise on bail strategy and protect your loved one's rights from the very start.
At Bynog Advocacy and Defense, our founder is a former federal prosecutor who understands how cases are built from the prosecution side. That means she knows where to look for weaknesses in the state's case from day one.
Understanding Bail in Louisiana
After an arrest, one of the first questions families ask is: how do I get them out?
In Louisiana, bail is set by a judge or magistrate, typically at the first appearance or arraignment. The amount depends on the severity of the charges, the defendant's criminal history, ties to the community and whether they are considered a flight risk.
Cash bail means you pay the full amount to the court, and it is returned (minus fees) when the case concludes, as long as the defendant appears for all court dates.
A bail bond involves paying a bail bondsman a percentage of the total bail amount — typically 10% to 15% — as a nonrefundable fee. The bondsman then posts the full bail on the defendant's behalf.
Release on recognizance means the judge allows the defendant to go home without posting bail, based on their promise to return for court appearances. This is more common for lower-level offenses and defendants with strong community ties.
If bail is set too high for your family to afford, the defense attorney can file a motion to reduce bail. This is one of many reasons having an attorney early in the process matter.
How to Be a Strong Support System
Supporting someone through criminal charges is a marathon, not a sprint. Here is how to be effective without burning yourself out.
Show up for court. Your presence in the courtroom sends a message to the judge: this person has people who care about them. It matters more than you think. If you plan to attend, read our guide on courtroom etiquette in Louisiana so you know what to expect and how to behave.
Be a liaison, not a lawyer. Your job is to support your loved one emotionally and practically — not to run their legal strategy. Trust the attorney to handle the legal side. If you have information that might help the case (witness contacts, documents, mental health history), share it with the attorney, not with your loved one over a recorded jail phone.
Help with practical needs. Criminal charges disrupt every part of a person's life. They may need help with rent, child care, employer communication, medication management or transportation to court dates. The more stable their life remains, the better positioned they are to participate in their own defense.
Take care of your own mental health. This is especially important during BIPOC Mental Health Month and every month after. Supporting a loved one through the criminal justice system is emotionally taxing. It can trigger anxiety, depression, shame and isolation. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Seek support for yourself — whether that's therapy, a support group or simply talking to someone you trust. For BIPOC-specific mental health resources, visit Mental Health America's BIPOC toolkit at mhanational.org.
What Not to Do
Do not post about the case on social media. Prosecutors monitor social media. Posts, photos, comments and check-ins can all be used as evidence. Advise your loved one to stay off social media entirely, and be careful about what you post as well.
Do not contact the alleged victim or witnesses. Any contact, even well-intentioned contact, can be interpreted as witness tampering or intimidation. This can result in additional charges and can seriously damage the case.
Do not pay for anything that feels like a scam. Unfortunately, families of incarcerated people are frequently targeted by scams — fake attorneys, fraudulent bail services, "case fixers." If someone contacts you offering to make the case go away for a fee, it is a scam. Work only with a licensed attorney.
Do not assume guilt or innocence. Your loved one has been charged, not convicted. The presumption of innocence is a constitutional right, and it applies in your home just as much as it does in a courtroom. Support them without judgment and let the legal process play out.
When Mental Health Is Part of the Picture
If your loved one has a mental health condition, the stakes are different and the approach should be too. Mental health can affect competency to stand trial, sentencing, eligibility for diversion programs and the overall defense strategy.
Tell the attorney about any diagnoses, medications, hospitalizations or recent mental health crises. Bring documentation if you have it. This information is protected by attorney-client privilege, and it can be the difference between a prison sentence and a treatment-based outcome.
For more on how mental health intersects with criminal cases in Louisiana, read our detailed guide: When Mental Health and the Criminal Justice System Collide.
You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone
The criminal justice system in Louisiana is complex and, as we've written about before, unlike any other state in the country. Having an attorney who understands the system — and who understands your family — can change everything.
At Bynog Advocacy and Defense, we bring a perspective that no other firm in Louisiana can offer. Our founder spent years as a federal prosecutor before crossing the aisle to defend the people she now represents. She knows how cases are built, how decisions are made and where the system falls short.
If someone you love is facing charges, the most powerful thing you can do right now is pick up the phone.
Note: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions About Supporting a Loved One Facing Criminal Charges
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Find out where they are being held by calling the parish jail. Do not discuss the case on the phone. Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately.
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Yes, if bail has been set. You can pay the full cash bail directly to the court or work with a bail bondsman who will charge a nonrefundable percentage (typically 10%–15%) to post bail on the defendant's behalf.
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Yes. All calls from Louisiana jails are recorded and can be used as evidence. Never discuss case details on a jail phone.
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You can deposit money into their commissary account, attend court appearances to show support, help manage their obligations outside of jail (child care, bills, employment) and communicate relevant information to their attorney.
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Yes. The earlier an attorney is involved, the more options are available. An attorney can attend the first court appearance, argue for reduced bail and begin building the defense from day one.
