Should I Leave a Loved One in Jail?

My mom always told me that if I got arrested, I’d better make myself comfortable because I would be spending the night there. While I’d like to believe this was more of a threat than the truth (my mom had her streaks of craziness), I fortunately never had to test it. This is a common line that many parents tell their kids, an empty threat devoid of any reality, much like “if you keep making that face it will get stuck like that” and “if you sit too close to the TV you’ll go blind.” These are lies used to keep kids in check.

But what if your child does get arrested? Is one night in jail such a bad thing?

The answer to this question is a resounding “YES!” Jail is not a safe place to be, for anyone. It isn’t as bad as prison, but no one should have to be subjected to the frightening scenes that take place.

Ask any bail bondsman, and he will tell you the same thing. Granted, they want your business, but they aren’t going to lie about such a severe matter. Bail bonds should be posted as soon as possible, so that the individual does not have to spend a single minute in jail longer than is necessary.

Honestly, the horrors surrounding an arrest are terrifying enough. After being released via bail bond, the person already has to face the embarrassment of his or her arrest, the booking process, and explaining the situation to his or her parents, family, and friends. Then the defendant must deal with the trial procedure; attending court dates, reliving the events before a jury, and facing punishment. And this all comes with the expenses that accompany the court, like hiring an attorney.

Although it may be a good warning to keep a son or daughter on the straight-and-narrow path, it is really a cruel plan to follow through on the threat and increase the individual’s suffering.