A loved one has been arrested on federal charges. What will happen next?
Q: A loved one has been arrested on federal charges. What happens next?
A: After a federal arrest, your loved one will typically appear before a judge or magistrate within 48 hours for an initial appearance. During this hearing:
- Charges will be read.
- Rights, including the right to counsel and the right to remain silent, will be explained.
If the government requests pre-trial detention, a detention hearing is usually scheduled within three days of the initial appearance. In the federal system, bond is largely abolished, so release is not determined by financial resources. Instead, judges consider:
- Whether your loved one poses a danger to the community.
- Whether your loved one is likely to attend future court proceedings.
It is crucial to obtain a lawyer, as they can best demonstrate to the judge that your loved one is not a risk and can comply with all court requirements.
A loved one has been arrested on federal charges. What will happen next?
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