Getting a phone call that a loved one has been arrested in Knoxville is one of those moments that stops you in your tracks. Whether it’s a friend, child, spouse, or sibling, many questions could be racing through your mind–what should you do first? How can you help? And how serious are the charges?
Our criminal defense lawyers understand how overwhelming this experience can be. The good news is: you can take meaningful steps right away to protect your loved one’s rights and begin guiding them through Tennessee’s legal system.
This blog will walk you through what to do immediately after someone you care about is arrested in Knoxville, including locating them and understanding the charges, to securing bail and getting experienced legal help. Whether the arrest involves a DUI, drug charge, or a more serious felony, knowing what to do next can make all the difference.
1. Stay Calm and Gather Key Information
Firstly, when someone you care about is arrested in Knoxville, it is crucial to stay calm and focused. The more level-headed you are, the more effective you’ll be in helping your loved one through this difficult time.
Before you can take any legal steps, you’ll need to gather some basic but essential information:
Key Details to Collect:
- Full name of the person arrested
- Date and time of the arrest
- Type of charges – If known, note whether it’s a DUI, drug offense, assault, theft, etc.
- Location of detention – Most people arrested in Knoxville are taken to the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility (Knox County Jail).
If you’re unsure where they are, you can use the Knox County Inmate Lookup Tool to find out if they’ve been booked. You’ll need their name or date of birth to search.
Pro Tip:
DO NOT DISCUSS THE FACTS OF THE CASE ON A JAIL CALL WITH YOUR LOVED ONE AND INFORM YOUR LOVED ONE NOT TO DISCUSS THE FACTS OF THE CASE WITH ANYONE! This advice must be listened to because every jail call is recorded. This means the prosecution will listen to every jail call. They will hear what is discussed and use any admissions or statements against interest against them. If there is a consensual conversation that violates a no contact order, charges will immediately be brought for violation of a no contact order. It is essential that you do not place your loved one in a worse position.
Write down everything you learn, even small details. This info will be important when you contact a Knoxville criminal defense attorney.
2. Locate Your Loved One and Understand the Charges
After gathering initial details, the next priority is finding out where your loved one is being held and what charges they’re facing. This step is essential for planning your next moves—including arranging legal help and potentially posting bail.
Finding Out Where They Are
In most Knoxville arrests, individuals are taken to the Knox County Jail (officially known as the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility). If you’re unsure of their location, a quick call to the local jail or sheriff’s office can help confirm whether your loved one is in custody. Be ready to provide their full name and (if possible) date of birth.
If the arrest was handled by a different law enforcement agency—such as the Tennessee Highway Patrol or University of Tennessee Police—there may be a brief delay before booking information is available.
Understanding the Charges
Once you confirm their location, try to find out what charges have been filed. This could be communicated by the jail, or you may hear directly from your loved one if they’re allowed to make a phone call.
In Tennessee, criminal charges are classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony:
- Misdemeanors, such as simple possession or DUI first offense, which carry penalties like fines, probation, or up to 11 months and 29 days in jail.
- Felonies, including drug trafficking, aggravated assault, or burglary, which carry more severe consequences—potentially years in prison.
Even if the charge seems minor, it’s important to remember that criminal records can have long-term consequences. Charges may also be amended or increased depending on the facts of the case.
3. Understanding the Knoxville Bail and Bond Process
Once a person is booked into jail after an arrest in Knoxville, the next major step is determining whether they can be released—and how. This is where bail comes into play.
What Is Bail?
Bail is a financial guarantee that the person accused of a crime will return for future court dates. If they meet all their court obligations, the bail is refunded (minus fees); if they fail to appear, the bail is forfeited.
Depending on the situation, a person may:
- Be released on their own recognizance (ROR)—without having to pay—especially for minor offenses.
- Be required to post cash bail, which must be paid in full to the court.
- Use a bail bondsman, who typically charges a nonrefundable fee (usually 10%) to cover the full bail amount.
How Bail Is Set in Knoxville
Bail is usually set at the time of booking or during the first court appearance, which typically occurs within 24 to 48 hours of arrest. Factors that influence the bail amount include:
- The seriousness of the charge
- Prior criminal history
- Flight risk or ties to the local community
- Whether the charge involved violence or weapons
If the initial bail amount is too high, a criminal defense attorney in Knoxville can file a motion to reduce bail or request a bail hearing.
4. Protect Their Rights and Avoid Common Legal Missteps
When someone is arrested, emotions are high—and it’s easy to make mistakes that can unintentionally hurt the case. The most important thing you can do at this stage is help protect your loved one’s legal rights.
Do Not Discuss the Case with Law Enforcement
No matter how cooperative or friendly an officer may seem, your loved one should not answer questions about the incident without an attorney present. Anything said can and will be used against them—even offhand comments.
Encourage them to:
- Politely decline to answer questions
- Ask for an attorney immediately
- Avoid signing any statements without legal review
Limit Communication—Especially on the Phone or Online
Jail calls are recorded, and what your loved one says—even to you—can become evidence. It’s best to keep conversations general and avoid talking about the case or the events that led to the arrest.
Likewise, avoid posting anything about the arrest on social media. This includes comments, photos, or updates that could be misinterpreted or used by prosecutors later.
5. Contact a Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately
One of the most important steps you can take after a loved one is arrested is to get experienced legal help as soon as possible. The decisions made in the first 24–48 hours can significantly affect the outcome of the case.
At Barnes & Fersten, we focus exclusively on criminal defense and DUI cases across Knoxville and East Tennessee. Our attorneys have helped countless clients protect their rights, secure bond, and fight for favorable outcomes—even in the most stressful and uncertain moments.
Why Choose Barnes & Fersten
Our firm is focused exclusively on criminal defense and DUI defense in Knoxville and East Tennessee. We have extensive experience representing clients facing a wide range of charges, from first-time misdemeanors to serious felony offenses.
When you work with Barnes & Fersten, you get:
- Free, confidential consultations to help you understand your options.
- Deep knowledge of Knoxville’s courts, giving you a local advantage.
- Aggressive defense strategies tailored to the facts of your case.
- Clear communication so you always know what’s happening and what to expect.
- A proven track record of success in DUI and criminal defense cases across East Tennessee.
- Team approach of multiple of our criminal defense attorneys and staff members analyzing every detail of the State’s case.
- Customized defense strategy depending on the facts and circumstances of your loved one’s life and case. The facts of your loved one’s life, such as their job, kids, and family could become important to negotiations with the State. Similarly, any alcohol, drug or mental health issue with proper treatment can potentially benefit them so our attorneys will make life recommendations that will help in their personal life and criminal case.
We understand that an arrest doesn’t just affect the person charged—it affects everyone who cares about them. Our mission is to provide clarity, reassurance, and legal advocacy when you need it most.
If your friend or family member has been arrested in Knoxville, don’t wait. Call Barnes & Fersten today at 865-805-5703 or fill out our free consultation form for immediate help from a local defense team you can trust. We’ll explain what’s happening, what to expect next, and how we can fight to protect your loved one’s rights and future.
Attorney At Law, Managing Partner
Brandon D. Fersten is an esteemed Knoxville attorney practicing DUI, criminal defense, and juvenile law. Known for his empathetic approach and commitment to his clients, he brings a record of favorable case outcomes including dismissals and not guilty verdicts at jury trials resulting in Brandon being recognized as one of the “Top 40 Under 40” in Criminal Defense, U.S. News’ Best Lawyers: “Ones to Watch,” and Super Lawyers’ “Rising Stars”. Brandon’s professional accolades, combined with his passion for justice, position him as a reliable criminal defense advocate in the East Tennessee legal landscape, including Knox County, Blount County, Sevier County, Loudon County, Roane County, Anderson County, Cumberland County, Hamblen County, Monroe County, and McMinn County.
