Family Member Arrested in Ontario? What to Do in the First 24 Hours

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If someone you love was just arrested in Ontario, this checklist is for you. It covers what to do in the first 24 hours: keeping the case private, getting papers and money in order, and looking after your household. Work through it one step at a time.

The 24-hour reality check

The first day after an arrest is a blur. You don't have to fix everything today.

A few simple steps now can save a lot of stress later.

Breathe. Get a notebook. Write down every name, number, date and case number you're given.

Then work through this list, one step at a time.

What to do first when someone you love is arrested in Ontario

Step 1: Keep the case private (hours 1–4)

Anything about what happened goes to the lawyer only. Not to friends, not online, not on a jail call.

• Social media: Stop posting about the arrest, the case or anyone involved. Before you delete or change any posts or accounts, ask the lawyer.
• Neighbours and relatives: Use one line: "Our family is dealing with a legal matter. We won't be discussing it." Use the same words every time.
• If police contact you: Whether and how to talk to police is a legal question. Ask the lawyer, or call duty counsel or Legal Aid Ontario at 1-800-668-8258 (weekdays 8 to 5).

Step 2: Papers and money (hours 4–12)

Getting papers and money organized now saves scrambling later.

• Documents: Ask the lawyer or duty counsel which documents they want for bail. Gather them in one folder, somewhere safe.
• Money: Know what you can afford before anyone asks. Ask the law office how they take payment. You're allowed to say no to requests you can't afford.
• Their workplace: If you need to tell their employer they're away, keep it short and true: "They're dealing with a personal matter and can't come in right now." You don't owe anyone details.

Step 3: Look after your household (hours 12–24)

You can't help anyone if you're running on empty.

• One contact: Pick one person to talk with the lawyer's office. It keeps messages clear and saves everyone repeating themselves.
• Rest: Eat, drink water and try to sleep. Take turns with someone you trust.
• Searching online: Go easy on late-night searching. Online answers about charges and sentences often don't fit your situation. Write your questions down for the lawyer instead.
• Support for you: For local services, call or text 211. If you're struggling, call or text 988, day or night.

You don't have to do this alone

The Unpolished Path helps families with the logistics: calls, money, visits, and what to tell employers and relatives. We don't give legal advice. Your lawyer handles the law.

For more detail, read our free guide, The First 72 Hours, on our Resources page.

Questions families ask

Should I talk to the police if they contact me?

Whether and how to talk to police is a legal question. Ask the lawyer, or call duty counsel or Legal Aid Ontario at 1-800-668-8258 (weekdays 8 to 5).

Should I delete social media posts about the arrest?

Stop posting about the arrest, the case or anyone involved. Before you delete or change any posts or accounts, ask the lawyer.

What do I tell neighbours, relatives or their employer?

Keep it short and use the same words every time. For neighbours and relatives: "Our family is dealing with a legal matter. We won't be discussing it." For their employer: "They're dealing with a personal matter and can't come in right now." You don't owe anyone details.

Do I have to pay for everything I'm asked to?

No. Know what you can afford before anyone asks. You're allowed to say no to requests you can't afford.

Can I tell The Unpolished Path what happened?

No. Our conversations aren't covered by solicitor-client privilege, so never tell us facts about the charges. Save those for your lawyer.

Need help with this?

This guide is general information, not legal advice. For legal questions, talk to your lawyer.