What to expect when you turn yourself in?
Asked by: Dr. Dasia Grimes V | Last update: June 3, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (1 votes)
- Processing: You will be taken into custody and processed, which includes taking fingerprints, photographs, and personal information.
- Arraignment: You'll be brought before a judge for arraignment, where charges will be formally read, and your bail will be set.
What happens when 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.
What is it like turning yourself in?
After you turn yourself in, the police will process you. They will take your fingerprints to confirm your identity and place you in a holding cell. You may feel the urge to talk to the police because you believe cooperating will demonstrate your innocence.
Does it look good if you turn yourself in?
I am assuming there is an active bench or arrest warrant if you are inquiring about turning yourself inand yes, judges and DA's tend to look more favorably on those who turn themselves in as opposed to those who are randomly picked up on a warrant.
What is the best time to turn myself 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.
What to Prepare for When Turning Yourself In
What do you wear when you turn 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.
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.
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.
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 does "turn myself in" mean?
to take a criminal to the police, or to go to them yourself to admit a crime: turn yourself in to something The hit-and-run driver turned himself in to the police the day after the accident.
Can police find out where you work if you have a warrant?
Yes, law enforcement can show up at your workplace if there is an active warrant for your arrest. Police may take this action to apprehend individuals they believe are evading arrest, and they often prioritize locations where they think they can find the person.
What is turning yourself in mean?
Turning yourself in means voluntarily surrendering to law enforcement authorities because there's a warrant for your arrest or you have been summoned to appear in court. This action can often portray you in a favorable light, showing that you are willing to comply with the legal process.
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.
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.
What to bring to turn yourself in?
When you are turning yourself in, you should bring a photo identification with you, such as a driver's license, passport, or military identification card. If you take any prescription medications, bring the medications with you. Only non-expired prescription medications are allowed.
What is the best time to turn yourself in?
Generally you want to turn yourself in as early in the week as you can. You should check the warrant quash calendar for the specific court. I would also tell you to check in a few hours before the calendar. Rules vary from court to court how this is handled, but don't turn yourself in on a Friday.
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.
Why is it good to put yourself out there?
More Visibility. You convey your brand when you put yourself out there, whether it's through a blog post, an article, a talk or some other way. You get on people's radars and start to get noticed. And that's good for you, because you've got talent.
When should I turn in my bonds?
You can cash in (redeem) your I bond after 12 months. However, if you cash in the bond in less than 5 years, you lose the last 3 months of interest. For example, if you cash in the bond after 18 months, you get the first 15 months of interest.
Can I pay my bond and not go to jail?
Paying bail can't help a person avoid jail on a long-term basis, but it can help on a short-term basis. A person who does not post bail will have to stay behind bars until their trial date, which could be many months down the line. If they post bail, then they're free to go home until they're due to return to court.
How long do you have to turn yourself in after a warrant?
The straightforward answer is that no official grace period or time limit exists. Legally, the police can arrest you immediately once an active warrant exists. However, you may have time before law enforcement actively seeks you out.
Can a judge tell if someone is lying?
First, with proper cross-examination, judges can usually tell when a person is being dishonest because people often lie without thinking about it all the way through. As a result, in my experience, it is generally easy to poke holes in a person's story.
Why would someone turn themselves in?
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.
Can a judge see your record?
Just because your record is expunged does not mean you get a “reset.” Prosecutors and judges will have access to your full, un-expunged criminal record, and you can be sure that they will use this information against you in court.