For Family Members
Someone you love was arrested.
Here's what you can do.
You can't fight the case for them. But you can make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Take the free Masked Researcher’s First Read on their behalf — it takes 2 minutes and flags the gaps their attorney might be missing.
Take the Score on Their Behalf — FreeNo sign-up required. Results are instant and anonymous.
You want to help. You don't know how.
Maybe it was a phone call at 2 AM. Maybe you watched it happen. Either way, you're in a fog of disbelief and doing something feels urgent.
The legal system doesn't come with instructions for family members. Nobody tells you what's normal, what's a red flag, or when it's worth asking hard questions about the defense strategy.
That's where the Masked Researcher’s First Read comes in. You answer questions about where the case stands — charge type, case stage, attorney behavior — and get an instant score that tells you if things are on track or if there are gaps that need attention.
5 things family members can do right now
Take the Masked Researcher’s First Read
Answer questions about the case on their behalf. You'll see immediately if their defense is on track or if critical steps are being missed.
Research and vet attorneys
They may be too overwhelmed or incarcerated to research effectively. You can compare attorneys, check bar records, and read reviews for them.
Attend court dates
Your presence shows the judge the defendant has community support. Dress appropriately, arrive early, sit quietly. It matters more than you think.
Write character reference letters
When sentencing arrives, character letters from family carry weight. Describe their positive qualities, community ties, and support system. Our sentencing calculator, backed by 819,248 federal records, can show you what judges in their district have done in similar cases.
Handle the practical stuff
Bills, childcare, employment communication, mail, pets, every practical burden you lift is one less thing pulling their focus from the case.
Things that can hurt the case
Social media posts about the case can be used as evidence by prosecutors
Contact with witnesses or alleged victims can result in additional charges
Pressuring someone to accept or reject a plea can backfire, that decision belongs to the defendant and their attorney
Jail phone calls are recorded and can be used by prosecutors
“I took the score on his behalf at midnight. It flagged that no motions had been filed in 60 days. My son brought the questions to his attorney and they filed a suppression motion the next week. Charges reduced.”
Linda M.
Son's Drug Possession · Charges reduced
*Based on real defendant experiences. Names changed for privacy.
Free — No sign-up required
Find out if their defense is on track
The Masked Researcher’s First Read checks 10 critical defense behaviors across any charge type. You can take it on their behalf — just answer based on what you know about the case.
Good attorneys welcome a prepared defendant — and a prepared family.
Take the Masked Researcher’s First Read2 minutes. Instant results. No email required.
Ready to do more than check a score?
The Case Decoder analyzes the actual case file — charges, evidence, attorney actions — and hands your loved one 15 specific questions for their next attorney meeting.
Get the Case Decoder — $197→48-hour delivery. Full refund if we don't find something the attorney hasn't raised.
Want the full guide?
Our complete guide for family members covers the first 48 hours, attorney research tactics, courtroom etiquette, character letters, and common mistakes that hurt the case.