Can you post bail before turning yourself in?

Asked by: Vernie Skiles  |  Last update: July 28, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (74 votes)

In some cases, a judge may give permission to post bond before turning yourself in. The most efficient way to post bail is through a bail bondsman, who will act as a surety for you and guarantee that you will appear for your court date and follow all of the conditions of your release.

Can I post bail before turning myself in?

Yes, prearranging a bail bond before turning yourself in can be a smart move. By consulting with a bail bond agent in advance, arrangements can be made to ensure a smoother and faster release process once you are in custody.

What should I do before I turn myself in?

You should definitely contact an attorney before turning yourself in. There's likely a bail amount set on the case and at a minimum, an attorney can find out how much the bail is. If you turn yourself in without knowing how much bail is, you may be sitting in custody for up to a week before they bring you to court.

What are the bail rules in Utah?

Bail is seldom denied and for most criminal offenses is a “matter of right.” In order for the judge to deny bail, you must either be charged with aggravated murder — Utah's only crime that is subject to capital punishment — or be charged with a felony and, e.g., be adjudged to be a flight risk.

Does turning yourself in help your case?

Turning yourself in can help with plea negotiations and with the judge in mitigation if you are convicted. It shows that you took responsibility for your actions.

What to Prepare for When Turning Yourself In

21 related questions found

What is the best time to turn yourself in?

If you turn yourself in on a Friday, you may have to spend the entire weekend in jail. Therefore, turning yourself in any time between Tuesday and Thursday in the early morning gives you the best chance to get an earlier hearing so you can make bail and avoid more jail.

What happens after you turn yourself in?

Once an individual turns themselves in, the arraignment follows. This is the first court appearance where charges are formally presented. The judge may then address bail, determining if the accused can be released until the trial.

Do you get your bail money back in Utah?

Monetary bail posted by debit or credit card, less the fee charged by the financial institution, shall be tendered to the courts. Monetary bail refunded by the court may be refunded by credit to the debit or credit card or in cash.

How long can jail hold you in Utah?

Prosecutors Must File Charges within 72 Hours

However, while most inmates will be released after 72 hours have elapsed, there are also situations where the Salt Lake County Attorney's Office can obtain a time extension. In extreme cases, these extensions may last as long as two weeks or longer.

Do you go back to jail if you get bailed out?

The simple answer is yes. There are a few different scenarios where someone who has been bailed out can return to jail. If a defendant fails to attend their court date, they also break the conditions of their bail and will need to return to jail.

Is it okay if I turn myself on?

You might be autosexual. If you've never heard of autosexuality before, sexologist Lauren French describes it as "someone who's sexually attracted to themselves and gets off on the idea of being intimate with themselves." A recent article from Dazed Digital spoke to three people who identify as autosexual.

What should you do before turning?

Always signal before you turn or change lanes. It is important that other highway users know your intentions. The law requires you to signal a turn or lane change with your turn lights or hand signals at least 100 feet (30 m) ahead.

What to do before sentencing?

  • Steps the criminal defense team can take to prepare for the sentencing hearing. ...
  • Take steps toward rehabilitation and document those steps. ...
  • Have friends and character witnesses ready. ...
  • Seek the prosecutor's and probation officer's input. ...
  • Line up social workers and therapists to testify. ...
  • Make restitution.

Why can't I post my own bail?

Unfortunately, though, if your bail amount is high, you may not have the resources to post bail with the court on your own. If that's the case, you have one more option: You can use the services of a bail bond agent.

Does turning yourself in reduce your sentence?

There are so many things that factor into sentencing that there is no way to say “turning yourself in will cut off 2yrs or 60% of your sentence.” In general, in the US plea deals result in less harsh punishments because you are saving the state the time, money and uncertainty of a trial.

What to bring when turning yourself in?

When you arrange to turn yourself in, try to wear comfortable clothing that doesn't look sloppy. If you intend to post bail immediately, bring your credit card or cash to pay the bond and essential identification, like a driver's license or state ID card. Limit any other personal property you bring along.

How does bail work in Utah?

If you are being held by the state, the judge will decide whether you can be released on bail. Bail is money posted by you or on your behalf to guarantee that you will show up in court. The court will then schedule your waiver hearing.

Will I go to jail for a first time misdemeanor?

For many first-time misdemeanor offenses in California, judges will impose probation, community service, fines, or classes instead of jail time. The maximum sentence for misdemeanors is one year in county jail. But incarceration for the full year is rare, especially for minor first offenses.

How long does a warrant stay active in Utah?

Once a warrant has been issued, it can remain active or be renewed indefinitely. Good legal advice is critical in resolving a warrant and its underlying case.

Can you bail yourself out of jail in Utah?

To answer your question, yes, you can bail yourself out of jail. However, most people choose to be bailed out by a loved one using a bail bond company. Either way, the process is the same, whether you or a loved one chooses to bail yourself out.

What happens to bail money if found not guilty?

The answer is usually yes — bail money is refunded after the trial if you've followed the court's instructions and attended all required hearings, irrespective of the verdict. But there's a catch: if you used a bail bondsman, their fee isn't returned.

Can you post a bond before turning yourself in?

Posting bond before turning yourself in will not only speed up the process but may save you money. Once the bond has been posted, the person with the warrant will be able to turn themselves in without having to pay their full bail amount up front. The bond agency guarantees the payment.

What is the best day to turn yourself in?

It is often best to turn yourself in on a weekday other than Monday or Friday and as early in the day as possible.

Do you get in less trouble if you turn yourself in?

The decision to voluntarily turn yourself in can show you're attempting to cooperate with the police. Again, this simple act can provide your attorney with room to work proactively on your case, while eliminating many negative consequences that could otherwise happen.