What happens when I turn myself in for a bench warrant?

Asked by: Letha Olson  |  Last update: July 22, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (30 votes)

Immediate Consequences of Turning Yourself In The judge will review your case to determine whether your violation of the court's order was justifiable or excusable. Depending on the specifics of your case, you might have to remain in jail until your hearing takes place.

Does it look better if you turn yourself in on a warrant?

Arrest warrants remain active until the police make the arrest, the court quashes the warrant, or the defendant turns himself or herself in. Turning yourself in is the best way to resolve your case; lying low and hoping that the court eventually quashes the warrant is a lot like fleeing from justice.

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 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.

Is it better to run or turn yourself in?

The choice to turn yourself in is up to you, but voluntarily doing so improves the likelihood of a more positive outcome for yourself at a bail hearing and at trial.

If I Know I Have A Warrant, Should I Turn Myself In?

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Do you get a shorter sentence if you turn yourself in?

While self-reporting a crime and pleading guilty can certainly help to reduce the severity of the penalties you could face, this is not to say that it will exonerate you entirely.

What is the best time to turn yourself in?

Call the Local Sheriff's Office

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

What should I do before I turn myself in?

The first thing to do when you find out that you have a warrant is to contact a criminal defense lawyer. A lawyer will advise you of your options and can contact the authorities to arrange for you to turn yourself in. An attorney can help in the following ways: Explain the charges on the warrant.

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.

Is turning yourself in an admission of guilt?

Defendants must only turn themselves in when an active warrant is out for their arrest. Turning yourself in does not mean that you are confessing to a crime or entering a guilty plea; it only means that you are not obstructing justice.

Are you handcuffed if you turn yourself in?

It depends. If you turn yourself in at the police station or jail and have no property or contraband on you, you might not get cuffed just to be escorted to the secure book in area of the jail.

Why is representing yourself in court so bad?

Risks of representing yourself

The biggest risk is that you lose your case because (1) you are unable to follow all the required procedures to bring your case to trial so your case is dismissed, or (2) once you get to trial, you cannot meet all the technical requirements to prove your case.

What to wear when you turn yourself in?

If you are turning your self in for arraignment then dress normal. If you are turning yourself in to do some time the wear a few layers so you can have some change of clothing until you get some mailed too you from friends or family. Just think about what season it will be on your release date, dress accordingly.

Will I go to jail if I turn myself in for a bench warrant?

If you turn yourself in for a bench warrant, it is possible that you go to jail until you can appear before a judge for a bench warrant hearing.

How respected are warrant officers?

They are among the best-trained experts in their fields and they are some of the most respected professionals in the Army National Guard. Since its origin, the role and requirements of the Warrant Officer have gone through many changes.

How do police let you know you have a warrant?

When police check for warrants, the officer contacts a dispatcher, who then searches the driver's name in a comprehensive computer system. This system contains a database of all warrants and provides immediate, up-to-date information regarding any unresolved legal matters.

Why is it good to 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.

What to look for when turning?

Obey all signs and/or traffic At the intersection, look left, right, and ahead. Keep the steering wheel straight and yield to pedestrians and bicyclists. Look left, ahead, right, and left again and proceed into the intersection when safe while turning the steering wheel to the left to enter the new lane.

Can you pay off a misdemeanor warrant?

No, You Cannot Simply Pay Off a Warrant.

Perhaps you think you can just pay a fine, post a bond, or settle it over the phone. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. Warrants are ordered by judges specifically because you failed to comply properly with the court process.

Is it okay if I turn myself on?

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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.

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.

Can you see a judge the same day you turn yourself in?

Timing is crucial when turning yourself in. Arriving at a detention facility or court during weekday business hours gives you the best chance of being processed and appearing before a judge the same day.

Can I pay my bond before turning myself in?

If it is a bench warrant (issued for failing to appear in court as ordered), then generally bail must be posted after you turn yourself in at the jail or courthouse. However, there are exceptions and these vary by jurisdiction. In some cases, a judge may give permission to post bond before turning yourself in.

Where should I go to turn myself in?

If a judge issues an arrest warrant, and the state has not yet filed criminal charges against you, then you can turn yourself in by going to the police department.