How to Self-Surrender on an Arrest Warrant
If a court or judge has issued a warrant for your arrest, the sooner you appear with a lawyer, the better. If you promptly appear for an arraignment, you have the best chance of getting a personal recognizance bond.
Do Not Go to Court Without a Lawyer to Protect You
No one should ever “walk-in” to court without a great criminal defense lawyer by his or her side. The attorney may make a difference between going home or going to jail. If you are wondering, “how do I turn myself in on a warrant?” it is time to call a respected, experienced attorney for help.
You should always have an experienced attorney on your side.
If you become aware that a court issued a warrant for your arrest, it is always a good thing to turn yourself in rather than have the police come and find you at home, work, or driving down the road. Most courts have designated dates and times for “walk-in arraignments.” However, it would be best to have an experienced criminal defense attorney with you when you appear in court. Never appear in court without someone protecting and defending you. There are several reasons why:
- One of the things that will happen at court is that a bond will be set, which you will have to post before leaving the courthouse. Your experienced criminal attorney knows precisely what to say to the judge to make a personal bond or a low monetary bond more likely. You may think that you know what to say to the judge to help you get a personal bond or low bond, but the fact is that it takes decades of experience to formulate a compelling argument in court. The factors the judge considers in setting a bond are complex, and a seasoned lawyer knows how to make the most persuasive argument.
- If the judge sees that you have invested in a retained attorney, the court will know that you are serious about returning to court and dealing with the charges. Therefore, there will be less reason to set a high bond to insure your return. If you asked any judge, “should I turn myself in on a warrant?” they would advise you only to do so with an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
- If a person turns themselves in without a lawyer, the police have an opportunity to approach the person and attempt to question them. This will never happen if the person has a lawyer with them. Just like with the judge, you may think you can explain your side of the matter to a police officer and help yourself. This is not true. Anything you say can be twisted or interpreted in several ways. And if you have spoken to the police, they can embellish or twist your comments according to their recollection, and it ends up in a credibility contest between you and the officer. It is far better to say nothing, and your attorney will ensure that is the case.
- Voluntarily surrendering on a bond is a good sign that someone is likely to show up in court. If a person gets arrested on an open warrant, it will look like the defendant was attempting to avoid court. If the judge does not have confidence, the defendant will appear back for a court date; he will likely set a high cash bond.
- Finally, judges have to consider the safety of the community when setting bond. Because the judge only has minutes to decide if a person is a potential threat, a strong, persuasive, and brief argument must be crafted to alleviate any of the court’s concerns. An attorney with experience representing clients at bond hearings is in the best position to make the most persuasive argument.
A retained attorney is your only option to have prepared counsel at your arraignment when you self-surrender on a warrant.
It should be noted that people do not have a court-appointed attorney at the time of such “walk-ins.” If you do not have retained counsel when you appear in court, a judge will ask if you want a court-appointed attorney when you walk into court. By then, damage may already have been done.
No one should ever “walk-in” to court without a great criminal defense lawyer by his or her side. The attorney may make a difference between going home or going to jail.
The only way to ensure that you have a great lawyer that is a good fit for you is to hire a privately retained criminal defense lawyer.
It should be noted that people do not have a court-appointed attorney at the time of such “walk-ins.” In fact, one of the things a judge will do when you walk into court is determine if you want a court-appointed attorney. By then, damage may already have been done.
Your freedom, reputation, family, and job are important, and you need to do what it takes to protect yourself and those things that are important to you. Hiring a reputable, experienced defense lawyer is the best thing you can do to help yourself. So if you are asking, “how or when should I turn myself in on a warrant?” call LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. for a free consultation, and we will take the time to talk with you, answer your questions, and address each of your concerns.
Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete a Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.
We will find a way to help you and, most importantly,
we are not afraid to win!
