If you discover that a warrant has been issued for your arrest, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure what to do. Should you go to the nearest police station and turn yourself in? Should you try to avoid arrest? Or should you ignore the situation altogether?
Ignoring the warrant or attempting to run will almost always make the situation worse. In most cases, turning yourself in voluntarily is the best option and may lead to more favorable outcomes, including reduced jail time or lower bail. Judges often view voluntary surrender more positively than a forced arrest.
Before you turn yourself in, there are important steps you should take to protect yourself and help the process go as smoothly as possible.
Find Out the Details
Before surrendering, gather as much information as you can so there are no surprises. Try to determine:
The charge or charges against you
Whether bail has already been set and the amount
The maximum penalty for the offense
Whether the new charge violates probation or parole
Understanding these details can help you prepare and make informed decisions.
Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney
While a public defender may be appointed after your arrest, hiring a criminal defense attorney before turning yourself in can be extremely beneficial if you are able to do so.
Anything you say to your attorney is protected by confidentiality, and they cannot share it with law enforcement. When you surrender, you will be read your Miranda Rights, including the right to remain silent. Waiving this right can seriously harm your case. Even simple questions may be designed to elicit incriminating responses.
An attorney can:
Advise you to remain silent
Guide you through the surrender process
Help negotiate bail or potential plea options
Advocate on your behalf from the start
Once arrested, contacting an attorney can be difficult, and arraignment or bail hearings may take days. Securing representation beforehand gives your lawyer time to prepare and protect your rights.
Come Prepared
Preparation matters. Dress neatly and comfortably, but avoid clothing that looks sloppy or inappropriate. Do not bring items that may be considered contraband, such as weapons or tobacco products.
Cell phones are typically not allowed, so memorize important phone numbers or write them down before surrendering.
Choose the Right Day
Timing can affect how quickly the process moves. Mondays are often busy due to weekend arrests, and Friday afternoons may delay proceedings because judges may be unavailable.
If possible, the best days to turn yourself in are Tuesday through Thursday, when courts and law enforcement tend to operate more efficiently.
Why Turning Yourself In Is Often the Best Choice
Voluntary surrender can:
Improve how a judge views your case
Reduce the likelihood of harsher penalties
Spare family and friends from witnessing an arrest
Prevent the embarrassment of being arrested at work
It may also help to contact a bail bondsman ahead of time to prepare for your release.
At Mercy Bail Bonds, we’re available 24/7 to help get you out of jail as quickly as possible. Our experienced team will guide you through the bail process and explain exactly what information is needed. In some cases, release may happen within hours. Call Mercy Bail Bonds today at (727) 856-7775.