What to Do if Your Friend Has Been Accused of a Felony

It often starts with confusion — a late-night call, an unexpected knock at the door, or perhaps just silence when you expected a message.

Next, you discover your friend has been arrested and is facing felony charges. At that moment, countless questions flood your mind. What exactly happened? Where are they now? What should I do first?

Whether your friend is accused of a violent offense, a property crime, drug charges, or financial wrongdoing, the weight of the situation hits hard. It can feel isolating, intimidating, and uncertain.

But remember, you’re not helpless, and neither is your friend. The legal system is complex — but with clear guidance and immediate, strategic steps, you can make a real difference in the outcome. In this guide, we’ll walk you carefully through each step of the process, giving you the clarity, practical advice, and compassionate reassurance you need right now to support your friend effectively and navigate the path ahead.

And before we get started, one quick note: Ventura’s justice system follows California state law, so many procedures are similar statewide. However, this guide will highlight local specifics – like the Ventura County Jail, Ventura County Superior Court, and local bail processes.

Step 1: Stay calm and gather essential information

Your friend just got charged with a felony. What should you do first?

Your first step is to stay calm.

It’s natural to feel anxious or upset, but panicking won’t help your friend. Take a deep breath and focus on gathering key information about the situation. Find out when and where your friend was arrested, and which law enforcement agency was involved (for example, Ventura Police Department or Ventura County Sheriff’s Office). This will help you determine where they have been taken and what comes next.

In Ventura County, when someone is arrested on a felony charge, they are usually transported to the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility (commonly known as Ventura County Jail) for booking.

This is the main jail that holds newly arrested individuals while they await the next steps. Confirming your friend’s location is critical. You can call the Ventura County Jail to ask if your friend is in custody.

The jail’s inmate information line is 805-654-3335, and it operates 24/7.

Be ready to provide your friend’s full name and date of birth, and if possible their booking number, to help the staff locate them in the system.

Ventura County also offers an online inmate search via the Sheriff’s Department website. By entering your friend’s name or booking number, you can often find out if they’re in custody, their inmate ID, and sometimes details like their booking charges and bail amount. Gathering this information will give you a clearer picture of the situation. It also ensures you know which facility they’re in (most likely the main Ventura County Jail at 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA) and how to contact or visit them.

Tip: When you call or search online, write down your friend’s booking number and their court case number if one is listed. These numbers will be useful for things like posting bail or checking court dates.

Starting a dedicated notebook or file for your friend’s case can help you keep track of all these details. Staying organized and informed is the best way to remain calm and useful.

Step 2: Find out what charges your friend faces

Next, try to find out what specific charges have been filed against your friend. In California, a “felony” is a crime that can be punished by more than a year in state prison. Felonies encompass a wide range of offenses, including:

  • Violent crimes – Assault, robbery, sexual assault, homicide
  • Property crimes – Burglary, grand theft, arson
  • Drug offenses – Possession with intent to sell, large-scale drug trafficking
  • White-collar crimes – Fraud, embezzlement
  • Other felonies – Felony DUI, weapons charges, etc.

No matter the type of felony, the basic criminal procedure in California is similar. That said, the nature of the charge will affect things like bail and how the case proceeds. For instance, violent felonies often carry higher bail and may have additional restrictions, whereas a non-violent property or drug offense might be handled a bit differently by the court. It’s important to know what your friend is accused of so you can make informed decisions and communicate effectively with attorneys or bail agents.

How to find the charges

When your friend was booked into Ventura County Jail, the arresting officers would have listed the initial charges on the booking paperwork. This information typically goes into the jail’s records.

If you use the Ventura County inmate locator or speak with jail staff, ask about the booking charges. Often, the inmate information will list each offense and the corresponding California Penal Code section. It may also show the bail amount set for each charge or for the overall case.

If the jail’s information is limited or if charges are still being determined, don’t worry. The formal charges will be stated at the arraignment, which is the first court hearing after an arrest. At an arraignment, the prosecutor (Ventura County District Attorney’s Office) officially presents the charges in court, and the defendant (your friend) will hear exactly what felony counts they are facing. In other words, even if you’re unsure of the details right now, the arraignment will make it clear what the accusations are.

Keep in mind that charges can change. Police may book someone on suspicion of one crime, but the District Attorney could file a different or additional charge by the time of arraignment. For example, an arrest for “suspicion of burglary” might turn into formal charges for burglary and possession of stolen property, or it might be reduced depending on evidence. This is why having a lawyer early (more on that soon) is valuable – a defense attorney can sometimes talk to the DA before charges are finalized.

For now, do your best to get the basic information: the title of the felony (e.g. “assault with a deadly weapon” or “felony grand theft”) and any related Penal Code numbers, if given. Knowing the charges will help you and your friend understand the severity of the situation and potentially look up the penalties or implications. It will also be crucial information for any attorney you consult.

Step 3: Remind your friend of their rights (Stay silent and get a lawyer)

When you’re able to communicate with your friend (usually, they’ll get an opportunity to make a phone call after booking), remind them to exercise their rights. This is one of the most supportive things you can do early on. People who are arrested often feel pressured to explain themselves or tell their side of the story – but right now, less is more.

Tell your friend not to talk about the details of the case with anyone except their attorney. This includes not talking to police or detectives without a lawyer present. It also means being cautious about conversations with friends or family over the jail phone.

It’s safest to assume that any calls from jail might be recorded or monitored. A casual comment like “I only took one thing” or “I was just there but didn’t do anything” could be taken out of context and used against them later. So, encourage your friend to stick to basics on the phone – such as discussing their wellbeing or logistics like hiring a lawyer – and not to discuss the incident or charges at all.

California law gives every defendant important rights, such as the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Your friend likely was read their Miranda rights during the arrest, which include the famous warning that “anything you say can and will be used against you in court.” This is absolutely true.

By staying silent, your friend isn’t being uncooperative – they are protecting themselves. The Ventura County District Attorney’s own materials note that at arraignment the defendant will be informed of the charges and that a lawyer can be appointed if they cannot afford one. This underscores that no one should navigate a felony case alone.

If law enforcement tries to question your friend after the arrest, they have the right to politely refuse and request a lawyer. As a friend, you can’t invoke their rights for them, but you can reinforce to your friend that it’s okay (and wise) to remain quiet until a lawyer is present. Additionally, do not volunteer information to the police yourself. You might think you’re helping (“he was with me that day, so he couldn’t have done it”), but once the machinery of a criminal case is in motion, any statements can have unintended consequences. Save all evidence and information for your friend’s defense attorney to handle.

In summary: stay calm, and keep quiet about case details. Encourage your friend to do the same. This doesn’t mean being uncooperative about basic information like name or address – it means not giving statements or stories about the alleged crime. By protecting your friend’s right to silence, you’re already helping their defense. The time to tell their side will come later, with a lawyer’s guidance.

Step 4: Help arrange bail (Ventura County’s bail process)

One of the most urgent questions after an arrest is: Can your friend get out of jail while the case is pending?

In many cases, the answer is yes – by posting bail or sometimes through an “O.R.” release. Understanding Ventura County’s bail process will help you make the right moves.

What is bail?

Bail is essentially a financial guarantee that a defendant will return to court. The court sets a dollar amount; if that money is paid (posted), the person can be released from jail.

If they show up for all required court dates, the money is refunded at the end of the case (minus some administrative fees). If they fail to appear in court, the bail money is forfeited and a warrant may be issued. Bail ensures the defendant has an incentive to return to court as required.

Own Recognizance (O.R.) release

For some less severe cases, the jail or judge might release your friend without requiring bail, on their own recognizance.

An O.R. release means your friend gives a promise to appear at court dates, and they don’t have to pay money upfront. Generally, everyone is eligible for O.R. except in certain situations – for example, if the person is accused of a capital offense (like capital murder), if they pose a high risk to public safety, or if authorities believe they are likely to flee.

Many Ventura County defendants charged with lower-level offenses (and with no serious criminal history) may be released O.R. after booking, especially under certain statewide bail reform rules.

However, for most felony charges, especially serious ones, bail will be set according to a schedule or by a judge.

How to find out the bail amount

Ventura County, like all California counties, has a bail schedule – a guideline that lists standard bail amounts for each offense.

For example, a felony burglary might have a standard bail of $20,000, whereas a more serious felony like armed robbery might be $100,000 or more, depending on the circumstances.

When your friend was booked, if it was after normal court hours, the jail likely applied the bail schedule to determine an initial bail amount. In some cases (especially for serious or violent felonies), the police or a judge may decide to deny bail until the arraignment. But typically, an arresting officer or on-call magistrate will set bail based on the schedule for the alleged offense. As mentioned, the inmate information system should show the bail amount if one has been set.

Getting out of jail

Once you know the bail amount, you have a few options to secure your friend’s release

  • Pay cash bail – This means coming up with the full bail amount in cash and paying it to the jail or court. Ventura County Jail will accept a cash payment for bail (exact amount only – they do not make change). The advantage is that you’ll get this money back at the end of the case (as long as your friend makes all court appearances). The downside is it can be a large sum to tie up for potentially months or longer. For example, $50,000 bail requires $50,000 in cash. Few people have that readily available.
  • Pay by check or money order – Ventura Jail also accepts cashier’s checks, certified checks, or money orders for bail payments. Note that personal checks are not accepted for felony cases (the jail only takes personal checks for certain minor misdemeanors like traffic offenses). Any check or money order must be made out to Ventura County Superior Court, and it must be for the exact bail amount.
  • Use a bail bond – This is the most common method if the bail amount is high. A bail bond is essentially an insurance policy with a bail bond company. You pay the bondsman a fee (usually 10-15% of the bail amount in California) and they in turn post the full bail to the court. For example, if bail is set at $50,000, a 10% bond premium would cost you $5,000. Important: This fee is non-refundable, even if your friend attends all court dates – it’s the price for the service. The big benefit is you don’t have to come up with the full $50,000; the downside is you don’t get that $5,000 back. Most Ventura County bail bond agents charge within this 10-15% range by law, and some may offer payment plans. The process of getting a bond is usually quick – often a couple of hours or less – since bail agents are often available 24/7 to help. You will typically need to sign an agreement and possibly provide some collateral (like property or a car title) especially for very high bail amounts, to assure the bondsman that your friend won’t skip court.
  • Request a bail hearing – If the bail amount is unaffordable or seems unreasonably high for the situation, an attorney can request a bail reduction hearing in front of a judge. Ventura County judges have the power to adjust bail. They consider factors like the defendant’s ties to the community, criminal history, and the seriousness of the charge. If your friend has a clean record and strong community support, an attorney might persuade a judge to lower the bail or even grant an O.R. release. This usually happens at or after the arraignment (more on that next). Keep in mind, without an attorney, it’s hard to successfully argue for lower bail – which is another reason getting a lawyer promptly is so important.

How to post bail at Ventura County Jail

The Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility (Main Jail) is where you will go to post bail if you’re paying directly (cash/check) or to deliver bond paperwork. The jail’s address is 800 S. Victoria Ave, Ventura, CA 93009. There is a jail cashier window for bail transactions.

It’s wise to call ahead (at the same 805-654-3335 number) to confirm what forms of payment are accepted at the time and the process, especially if you’re bringing a large sum of cash or a check. Also, bring a valid ID and know your friend’s full name and booking number.

Once bail is posted (or a bond is delivered), release times can vary. It might take a few hours for your friend to be released after the paperwork is processed. Be patient – Ventura County Jail staff have procedures to follow (like verifying the funds and checking for any other warrants). If your friend is released, you’ll want to have a plan: how to get them home, and reminding them of upcoming court dates and any conditions of release (like travel restrictions or stay-away orders if applicable).

If bail cannot be posted – either because it’s too high or the court denied bail – then your friend will have to remain in custody at the Ventura County Jail at least until the arraignment hearing. In that case, focus on the next step: supporting them through the court process.

Throughout the bail process, do your best to stay level-headed. Dealing with money and the urgency of getting your friend out can be stressful.

If you choose to use a bail bondsman, use a licensed Ventura County bail agent and be sure you understand the terms of the contract (the bond agent should explain any fees or collateral requirements clearly). Ask questions if anything is unclear – reputable agents will be patient and informative. And remember, even if your friend must stay in jail for a bit, the arraignment will happen soon, and their attorney can then push for a reduction or another chance at release.

Step 5: Understand the arraignment process (Ventura County Superior Court)

The arraignment is the first formal court hearing in a criminal case, and it’s crucial for you and your friend to understand what happens there.

In Ventura County, felony arraignments typically take place at the Ventura County Superior Court – Hall of Justice (located at 800 S. Victoria Avenue in Ventura).

This is the main courthouse for Ventura County. If your friend is in custody, they will be transported from the jail to the courthouse for this hearing (usually within 48 hours of the arrest, excluding weekends and holidays by law). If your friend bailed out or was released O.R., they must show up at the arraignment on the scheduled date and time (missing it could lead to a warrant and forfeiting any bail).

What happens at an arraignment?

At this hearing, several important things occur:

  • Formal Reading of Charges – A judge will formally tell your friend what charges are filed against them. They have a right to hear and understand each charge. Often, the reading can be waived if your friend has an attorney, but either way, the information is provided in a document called the complaint. This document lists all felony counts and any enhancements (special allegations) the prosecution is pursuing.
  • Rights and Attorney – The judge will ensure your friend knows their constitutional rights – for example, the right to an attorney, the right to a jury trial, the right to remain silent, etc. If your friend does not yet have a lawyer, the court will appoint a public defender at this point (assuming they cannot afford to hire a private attorney). The district attorney (prosecutor) will be present in court as well. If you’ve already hired a private attorney for your friend, that attorney will appear alongside your friend and handle things from here. It’s strongly recommended to have an attorney by arraignment. The public defender can do a competent job in many cases, but having a dedicated private attorney (like one you’ve hired beforehand) can mean more personalized attention – and they will have had time to discuss the case with you and your friend prior to this hearing.
  • Entering a Plea – The judge will ask your friend how they plead to the charges – guilty, not guilty, or no contest. In almost all felony cases, the initial plea is “Not Guilty.” This is standard, as it preserves your friend’s rights and allows the case to proceed through the normal process (you can always change a plea later as part of a deal, but you can’t take back an ill-considered guilty plea). If your friend has an attorney, the attorney will usually answer for them and enter the not guilty plea. If a public defender is appointed at the hearing, they will likely ask to enter a not guilty plea on the spot (and possibly ask the judge for a future date to come back with a defense plan).
  • Bail Review – If your friend is still in custody (unable to bail out yet), the arraignment is a chance to address bail with the judge. The judge can reconsider the bail amount at arraignment. The defense can argue it should be lowered or that your friend should be released on O.R., while the prosecutor might argue to raise it or keep your friend detained, depending on the circumstances. The judge will weigh factors like the severity of the crime, any prior record, ties to the community, and risk to public safety. In Ventura County, judges follow California law and the county bail schedule, but they have discretion. If you have hired an attorney, they will make the best argument for release or affordable bail at this time. If bail was already posted and your friend is out, typically the bail will remain in effect. (Be aware: if the prosecution thinks the bail was too low, they can argue to increase it at arraignment, but that’s more common in very serious cases or if new facts come to light.)
  • Future Dates – The court will set the next court date(s). In a felony case, the next major step after arraignment is often the Preliminary Hearing. Ventura County usually schedules the preliminary hearing within a couple of weeks to a month after the arraignment, unless time is waived. At the preliminary hearing, a judge will hear a preview of the evidence to decide if there’s enough to hold your friend to answer for trial. There may also be intervening dates like an “early disposition conference” or “pre-trial conference” where the lawyers discuss possible plea bargains or exchange evidence (discovery). If your friend’s case might resolve early (for example, through a plea deal), it often happens at one of those pre-trial dates. If not, it proceeds to prelim and then potentially to trial. The specific timeline can vary, but the arraignment is when that schedule starts to be mapped out.

It’s a good idea for you to attend the arraignment in support of your friend, if possible. Having a friendly face in the courtroom can be reassuring to them. Plus, you will hear first-hand what is happening: the charges, any bail changes, and the next steps. As long as you’re calm and respectful, your presence is a positive. (Note: Court proceedings are public unless it’s a very sensitive case, so you are allowed to attend. Just remember to dress neatly and turn off your phone, etc., to respect court rules.)

After the arraignment, make sure your friend (if released) knows all the upcoming dates and any conditions the judge imposed. For example, the judge might issue a protective order (no contact order) if the case involves a victim – meaning your friend must not contact that person while the case is pending. Take notes on what the judge orders, so you can help remind your friend. Violating any court order could land them back in jail, so this is important.

Finally, if a public defender was appointed but you plan to hire a private attorney, you should move quickly to do so (before the next court date). The public defender will step aside once a private attorney is on record. If you already hired an attorney, arraignment will be smoother since that attorney will handle everything. Let’s talk more about why having the right attorney is so crucial.

Step 6: Hire an experienced Ventura criminal defense attorney

Getting a qualified criminal defense attorney on board is perhaps the most important step you can take to help your friend.

Felony cases are complex, and the stakes are high – your friend’s freedom, reputation, and future are on the line. In California (Ventura included), the sooner an attorney is involved, the better. A skilled lawyer will protect your friend’s rights, communicate with the prosecutor, and start building a defense strategy immediately.

Why hire a private attorney if a public defender is available?

Public defenders are competent lawyers, but they are often juggling heavy caseloads. Your friend may only get a few minutes of a public defender’s time on the day of arraignment. In contrast, a private attorney (whom you hire) can meet with you and your friend beforehand, dedicate ample time to the case, and be reachable for questions and guidance. Personalized attention and experience can significantly impact the outcome of a felony case.

When choosing a lawyer, look for someone with extensive experience in Ventura County courts and felony defense.

Local knowledge is key – they should know the Ventura judges, the prosecutors, and local procedures (like Ventura’s approach to bail or alternative programs). For example, attorney Robert M. Helfend is a veteran Ventura criminal defense lawyer with over 40 years of experience defending clients in Ventura County. He has handled more than 4,000 cases, ranging from minor charges to major felonies, so he understands exactly how to navigate cases like your friend’s.

Mr. Helfend is recognized for his skill and dedication – he’s been listed among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers and is a SuperLawyers-rated attorney. This kind of track record is what you want on your friend’s side.

A good defense attorney will start by reviewing the evidence and identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. They may reach out to the DA early on to discuss the case – sometimes even before the arraignment or preliminary hearing, which can potentially lead to reduced charges or alternative resolutions. They will also be your friend’s voice and protector in court, making strong arguments for bail reduction, filing motions to suppress evidence if police violated any rights, and ultimately fighting for a dismissal or not-guilty verdict if it goes to trial. Throughout the process, the attorney will keep you and your friend informed. This guidance will greatly reduce the stress and confusion you both feel.

Given the urgency, don’t delay this step. It’s not “too early” to involve a lawyer even within hours of the arrest.

In fact, an attorney can often visit your friend in jail (California law ensures attorney access to clients in custody), help you arrange bail, and represent your friend at the arraignment – all of which can make a huge difference in the case’s trajectory.

Step 7: Support your friend and plan for next steps

With the initial shock of the arrest behind you, your friend will need ongoing support as the case moves forward.

Criminal cases can unfold over weeks or months, and your friend is likely going through one of the toughest times of their life. Here’s how you can continue to help:

  • Help with logistics – Make sure your friend attends all court dates on time. If they are out on bail, offer them rides to court if needed (their license might be suspended in some cases, or they may be too stressed to drive). Keep a calendar of all deadlines – court hearings, meetings with the attorney, etc. If your friend must comply with any conditions (for example, attending counseling as a condition of bail, or staying away from certain people or places), help them stay on track. It could be as simple as friendly reminders, or coordinating schedules so they don’t accidentally slip up. Ventura County judges take compliance seriously; even a small violation could revoke bail or hurt their case.
  • Gather information and evidence – Work with your friend and their attorney to identify anything that might help the defense. Did the incident have witnesses who can testify favorably? Are there text messages, emails, or security camera footage that could support your friend’s story? Pass on any leads or evidence to the attorney – do not give them to the police or DA yourself. For example, if your friend was with you at the time of the crime, write down everything you remember and share that with the defense lawyer. If there are character witnesses (people who can vouch for your friend’s good character or alibi), get their contact info for the attorney. Being proactive in this way can be a big help; it allows the attorney to build a stronger case.
  • Emotional support – Felony charges carry a stigma and a lot of uncertainty. Your friend may be experiencing fear, shame, or depression. Be there to listen (about everything except the specifics of the case, as discussed – those should stay between them and their lawyer). Encourage your friend to stay positive and focused on the future. Sometimes just knowing that someone cares and believes in them makes a huge difference. If your friend is in custody and cannot be released, try to visit them in jail during visiting hours or send letters. A friendly voice or message can seriously boost their morale. (Check the Ventura County Jail’s visitation rules on the Sheriff’s website – usually, there are scheduled visiting times and rules about what you can bring. You’ll likely need the inmate’s booking number and name to schedule a visit.)
  • Handle outside obligations – Depending on your relationship with the friend, you might assist with notifying their employer or family that they are dealing with an emergency (without necessarily divulging all details, unless your friend wants you to). If they have urgent obligations – like picking up children, paying rent, or caring for pets – coordinate with others (family members or trusted friends) to ensure those responsibilities are covered while your friend is unavailable. This practical help can prevent the situation from snowballing (for instance, losing a job or housing on top of legal troubles).
  • Stay informed – Continue to educate yourself about the process. Ask your friend’s attorney questions if you’re unsure what to expect next (with your friend’s permission, since the lawyer-client relationship is confidential). The more you know, the more you can help anticipate your friend’s needs. There are many resources online (including California Courts self-help pages and Ventura County court resources) that explain criminal procedures. Just be sure to use reputable sources.

Throughout this journey, maintain a balance: be supportive but also take care of yourself. It can be draining to help someone through a criminal case.

Make sure you have your own support system – whether it’s other friends, family, or even counselors – to talk through your feelings (again, without discussing case details that could be sensitive). The calmer and steadier you remain, the better you can support your friend.

Finally, keep the big picture in mind: an accusation is not a conviction.

Your friend has the right to defend themselves, and the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Many felony cases end with reduced charges or alternative resolutions, especially if the defense is strong. By being there for your friend and ensuring they have a top-notch attorney, you are significantly improving their chances of a favorable outcome. It may be a long road, but you’re not walking it alone – you have professionals to guide you and the truth on your side.

Facing a felony accusation in Ventura can be life-changing, but expert legal help is just a phone call away. As mentioned, attorney Robert M. Helfend is a highly experienced Ventura County criminal defense attorney who can step in to protect your friend’s rights and fight for the best possible result. Mr. Helfend has been practicing criminal defense in Ventura and surrounding areas since 1984, giving him over four decades of experience in California courts. He has successfully defended thousands of clients and is known for his aggressive, knowledgeable representation. Clients describe him as understanding and dedicated – exactly what your friend needs during this stressful time.

Call Robert M. Helfend today at 805-273-5611 to schedule a free case review.

Published May 23, 2025.