At All n One Bail Bonds, we know that any experience where you’re jailed or arrested can be difficult and confusing, and we’re here to help. We’re on hand to assist with everything from making bail to hiring a defense attorney, and we can also provide high-level expertise if you’ve never been in this situation before.

One common related situation here is those who need to turn themselves in on an arrest warrant. This may happen because you didn’t show up at the proper time for court after being arrested, or for several other possible reasons. Regardless, you should consider a few important areas when it comes to turning yourself in – here are some of the most vital.

Defense Attorney

Your first step here, and one that’s often taken well before you have to turn yourself in, is retaining a criminal defense attorney. This person can help you in numerous areas, but we’ll focus solely on the turn-in process for now.

In most cases, turning yourself in on a warrant will lead to you being booked in jail. However, there may be alternatives possible here – you might be able to get the warrant recalled, get a plea bargain or reduce the bail amount, and your attorney is the one who can help you identify these options.

On the flip side, failing to retain an attorney before turning yourself in comes with huge risks. For starters, you may not be able to contact one for several days while in jail, and you may not be able to post bond either. For another, you may give statements to police that hurt your case. Finally, using a lawyer for the turn in both makes this process less embarrassing (you won’t be pulled from your home in front of your family, for instance) and gives you a higher chance at getting a good bond number.

Dress and Items

Wear comfortable clothes to your turn-in arrangement, but don’t look sloppy. Make sure you bring cash or cards with you if you plan to pay bail immediately, plus basic identification documents.

Beyond this, though, limit the items you bring with you. Anything that’s prohibited or raises suspicion will only make things tougher for you. You’re allowed to bring things like personal medication or prescribed reading glasses, though it’s best to coordinate with the jail in advance for these items (a defense attorney can help here).

Proper Timing

As your attorney will tell you, the best times to turn yourself in (if you have any say in the matter) are between Tuesday and Thursday. Mondays are busy days for courts and law enforcement, and judges and magistrates are tougher to come by on Fridays – you may have to wait all the way through the weekend to see one.

Miranda Rights

When you turn yourself in, you will be read your Miranda Warning that dictates your right to remain silent, among other things. Know that if you choose to speak to police, you are waiving this right and what you say can be used against you. If your lawyer is not present and you wish to remain silent, simply inform officers of this and do not answer questions no matter how much they attempt to provoke or manipulate you.

For more on important tips for turning yourself in on a warrant, or to learn about any of our bail bond services, Call Us 901-523-2245