Where do I turn myself in?
Asked by: Prof. Alexis McCullough III | Last update: January 21, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (57 votes)
You can also turn yourself in by going to your local police department or sheriff's office. In either event, you should consult with a criminal defense attorney for help.
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 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.
How long can you wait to turn yourself in?
When a warrant is issued for an individual's arrest, the timeline to turn oneself in can vary based on the specific circumstances of the case and jurisdiction. While some might assume there's a grace period, this is not always true, and the individual is typically advised to address the warrant as soon as possible.
What happens if you turn your self in?
When you turn yourself in, the arrest and booking process begins. Here's what you can expect: Arrest and custody – You will be taken into custody and informed of your rights.
Lil Durk - Turn Myself In (Official Audio)
Is it smart 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.
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.
Can police bring you in for questioning without a warrant?
If the police want to conduct questioning without a warrant, they usually will not be able to detain you against your will. You can generally refuse to answer questions that you feel may incriminate you.
Will family court know I have a warrant?
If you have an open warrant, you are at risk of possible arrest no matter where you are or what you do. Family Court is no exception. However, the Family Court will not be checking you for warrants.
What should I wear to turn myself 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.
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 is a 3 day jail sentence?
Weekend jail, also known as an intermittent criminal sentence, is an alternative sentence that allows an offender to serve time in jail in portions, or chunks, instead of all at one time. The offender goes to jail for a specific timeframe, such as three or four days.
What's a good time to turn yourself in?
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 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.
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.
What not to say during a custody battle?
Avoid cursing and putting down the other parent, your children, in-laws, and other family members, the mediator, the judge, and others involved in the process. That can be tricky when sensitive topics, such as substance abuse, are at play.
Will a warrant show up on your record?
In California, whether an arrest warrant appears in a criminal background check depends on the type of check conducted. Standard criminal background checks, typically employed by landlords or employers, often do not reveal outstanding warrants, including open or bench warrants.
Who are the best witnesses for a child custody trial?
Picking good witnesses, like family, coaches, doctors, social workers, psychologists, counselors, or the kids' school personnel, can help a lot. They can tell the court about the kids' circumstances and what's in their best interest.
Can the police kick in my door if I have a warrant?
If they have a no-knock warrant they can enter your residence whether you are there or not. If they have to break the door down to get in, the warrant gives them the authority to do that.
What happens if you don't talk during police interrogation?
Your Constitutional Right To Not Answer Questions
When the police want to interview you, you have a constitutional right to not answer their questions. It is the government's burden of proof, not yours.
What to expect when I turn myself in?
- 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.
Where do you turn in a bond?
Where do I cash in a savings bond? You can cash paper bonds at a bank or through the U.S. Department of the Treasury's TreasuryDirect website. Not all banks offer the service, and many only provide it if you are an account holder, according to a NerdWallet analysis of the 20 largest U.S. banks.
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.