Should You Contact Your Attorney If You Have a Warrant Out For Your Arrest?

Living with a warrant can be stressful. You may freak out every time you hear a knock at the door thinking it is the police coming to arrest you, or you may drive extra careful to help ensure you do not get pulled over while driving. Living with a warrant is no way to live your life, and as such, you may be thinking about turning yourself in. If you are ready to do so, you may be wondering if you should talk to your criminal defense attorney before turning yourself in or whether you should wait to talk to them once you are behind bars. Here’s the information that you need to know if you are in this position.

Should You Contact Your Attorney if You Have a Warrant Out for Your Arrest?

If you have a warrant out for your arrest, you should absolutely contact your attorney before turning yourself in. It is much easier to talk to an attorney freely about your case when you are out of jail. Your attorney can discuss your case and your options with you in their office. They can also help you to understand what will happen once you turn yourself in. In some cases, an attorney can even arrange for you to turn yourself in or take care of the warrant.

What Can an Attorney Do If You Have a Warrant for Your Arrest?

One of the most common reasons why people have warrants is because they failed to show up for court. When this occurs, a judge issues a bench warrant. If you have a bench warrant, an attorney may be able to ask the courts to hold the warrant, place your case on the calendar with the court, and have you appear in front of the court, all without ever having to go to jail. In other cases, you may have a warrant because you did not pay a fine or fee. An attorney can work to get payment arrangements and get the warrant lifted. Lastly, if there is a warrant that requires you to turn yourself in to jail, an attorney can help you prepare to turn yourself in, including telling you what to bring to jail with you and advising you on what your bond may be.

Are There Benefits To Turning Yourself in if You Have a Warrant?

If you have a warrant, there are many benefits to turning yourself in versus waiting for the police to arrest you. First, you can make arrangements for yourself, such as ensuring you have child care in place, all your bills are paid, and work knows you will be missing some time. If the police arrest you, they take you then and there, which can disrupt your life. Secondly, if you have a warrant, bail may be set before you turn yourself in. You can work with a bail bond company to post bond immediately upon surrendering to the police. Finally, the courts look more kindly upon those who do the right thing and turn themselves in versus the people who are trying to hide or avoid arrest.

If you have a warrant out for your arrest, you may be able to bail out of jail after you turn yourself in if bail is set. At Free at Last Bail Bonds, we understand the importance and urgency of reuniting families. If you or a loved one needs our services, we are here for you 24 hours a day at 470-410-3409.