Free First 72 Hours Checklist
Someone you love was just arrested?
Use this checklist to slow down, gather the right information, and avoid common early mistakes during the first critical days after an arrest.
1. Locate Your Loved One
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Booking number
- Facility name
- County
- Housing unit, if available
2. Write Down The Charges
- List charges exactly as shown in official records
- Do not rely on rumors or social media
- Check whether charges are pending, filed, or only booking information
3. Ask About Bond And Holds
- Has bond been set?
- What is the bond amount?
- Is it cash, surety, or property bond?
- Are there any holds from another county, probation, parole, federal agency, or immigration?
4. Protect Medical Needs
- List current medications
- List chronic illnesses
- List mental health concerns
- Call the facility and ask how medical information should be submitted
- Write down who you spoke with, the date, and the time
5. Do Not Discuss The Case On Jail Calls
- Assume jail calls are recorded
- Do not discuss allegations
- Do not discuss witnesses
- Do not discuss evidence
- Do not discuss what anyone should say
6. Protect The Home Front
- Children
- Elderly relatives
- Pets
- Rent or mortgage
- Utilities
- Transportation
- Employment issues
7. Start An Advocacy File
- Case Snapshot
- Contact log
- Court dates
- Medical notes
- Attorney information
- Receipts and expenses
- Timeline of events
8. Avoid These Early Mistakes
- Do not post case details online
- Do not confront witnesses
- Do not hire the first attorney without asking questions
- Do not rely on memory
- Do not let panic make financial decisions
Need the full worksheet packet?
The First 72 Hours Family Action Pack includes worksheets, logs, attorney questions, a case snapshot sheet, court tracker, family task sheet, medical alert sheet, and more.
What you get in the full Action Pack
- Start Here Guide
- First 72 Hours Checklist
- Arrest Information Worksheet
- Jail Call Log
- Attorney Contact & Interview Sheet
- Bond and Court Date Tracker
- Family Task Assignment Sheet
- What Not To Do in the First 72 Hours
- Case Snapshot Sheet
- Medical Red Alert Sheet
- Advocacy File Checklist
Disclaimer
This material is for education and organization only. It is not legal advice. PrisonProject.net is not a law firm and does not replace a licensed attorney.