What should I do if a friend/family member has been arrested?

If your friend or family member is arrested, and you are trying to get information, the most important thing you can tell them is that while they are in jail, DO NOT discuss the facts of the case with anyone. Do not talk to the police. Do not talk to other inmates. Do not talk to your friends or family over the phone or over video conference. Only conversations a defendant has with his/her attorney are protected by the attorney-client privilege. Excluding conversations with an attorney, law enforcement and prosecutors review inmate phone calls and video visits. Except for conversations with a lawyer, ALL OTHER CONVERSATIONS AND VIDEO VISITS ARE RECORDED.

Conversations and written correspondence between you and our client are not confidential. It is imperative that you not discuss or correspond with your friend/relative about his or her case.

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1. How do I apply for an attorney?
2. Will the Public Defender represent me in a civil case?
3. What are the charges for which I can be represented by a Kootenai County Public Defender?
4. Can I speak to a Public Defender if I have not been appointed by the Court?
5. Are Public Defenders real lawyers?
6. Does the Office of the Public Defender have Investigators?
7. Your Rights
8. Who is my assigned attorney?
9. When is my hearing?
10. What should I do if a friend/family member has been arrested?
11. Can I speak with my friend/family member’s Public Defender?
12. When will a Judge set bail?