How Long Do You Have To Turn Yourself In After A Warrant?

How Long Do You Have To Turn Yourself In After A Warrant

How long do you have to turn yourself in after a warrant?

In this article, you’ll learn about: 

  • how long you have to turn yourself in
  • which types of warrants you have to turn yourself in for
  • what does “turn yourself in” mean
  • how to turn yourself in
  • what happens if you don’t turn yourself in

Keep scrolling to learn more. 

Table of Contents

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How Long Do You Have To Turn Yourself In After A Warrant?

There is no time limit for you to turn yourself in for an arrest warrant. 

Technically, you can turn yourself in at any time. 

You can take days, weeks, months, or years to turn yourself in. 

For serious crimes, the police will come find you. 

For minor crimes, it’s likely that the police will not come looking for you. 

But, when you have an encounter with the police, they will arrest you. 

Obviously, it’s recommended that you turn yourself in ASAP for your warrant. 

Read More: How Long Does It Take To Get A Search Warrant?

What Types Of Warrants Are There?

Warrants are legal documents that authorize specific actions by law enforcement.

Here are the main types of warrants:

  1. Arrest Warrant. This warrant allows you to get arrest based on probable cause that you committed a crime.
  2. Bench Warrant. Issued when you fail to appear in court or violate a court order. The police will come looking for you.
  3. Search Warrant. Authorizes police to search a specific location for evidence related to a crime. The warrant specifies the place and items to be seized.
  4. Civil Warrant. Used in civil cases for enforcing judgments, evictions, or collecting debts, permitting actions like seizing property.
  5. Fugitive Warrant. Issued to capture individuals who have fled one jurisdiction to avoid criminal charges.
  6. Extradition Warrant. Seeks to return a fugitive from one jurisdiction to another to face charges.
  7. Alias Warrant. Reissues an arrest warrant when errors or omissions occur in the original warrant.
  8. No-Knock Warrant. Allows law enforcement to enter a property without prior announcement. Usually in situations where announcing their presence is unsafe or may lead to evidence destruction.

Read More: What Happens If I Have A Warrant In Another City

Which Warrants Do You Have To Turn Yourself In For?

You’ll have to turn yourself in for the following types of warrants:

  • Arrest Warrant
  • Bench Warrant
  • Fugitive Warrant
  • Extradition Warrant

What Does It Mean To "Turn Yourself In?"

“Turning yourself in” means going to the police or authorities on your own when:

  • you know there is a warrant for your arrest
  • you’ve been told to do so by a lawyer

It’s a way to deal with legal problems voluntarily and avoid a surprise arrest.

When you turn yourself in:

  1. You admit responsibility. You acknowledge that you’re aware of the warrant and are willing to deal with the legal issues.
  2. You cooperate. You let the police do their job without a big confrontation.
  3. You can address the legal stuff. You get the chance to talk to a lawyer, understand the charges, and figure out your options, like posting bail if needed.
  4. You might get treated better. Sometimes, courts see turning yourself in as a positive step and may treat you more favorably.

Read More: If You Have A Warrant Can You Just Pay It

How Do You Turn Yourself In For A Warrant?

To turn yourself in for a warrant, follow these simple steps.

  1. Talk to a Lawyer. Before doing anything, speak to a lawyer who can guide you through the process.
  2. Get Info Together. Your lawyer will help you gather the right information, like details about the warrant and your ID.
  3. Choose a Place. Decide where to go, like a police station or courthouse, based on your lawyer’s advice.
  4. Call Ahead. Contact the place you’ll be going and ask about the process. Some places may need you to make an appointment.
  5. Be Ready. When you go there, bring your ID, any needed items, and any paperwork your lawyer gave you.
  6. Follow Instructions. Do what the police or courthouse staff tell you. They’ll guide you through things like paperwork and booking.
  7. Know Your Rights. Remember, you have rights, like the right to stay silent and have a lawyer. Ask for a lawyer if you haven’t already.
  8. Bail (if needed). Depending on your case and location, you might be able to post bail to get out of jail until your court date. Your lawyer can help with this.
  9. Go to Court. After turning yourself in, you’ll have court hearings to address your case. Make sure to attend all of them as required.
  10. Listen to Your Lawyer. Keep working closely with your lawyer for advice on your rights, options, and the best ways to handle your legal situation.

Benefits Of Turning Yourself Into Police

Turning yourself in to the police has these benefits:

  • Taking Responsibility: You show you’re ready to deal with your legal problem.
  • Avoid Surprise Arrests: No unexpected arrests at inconvenient times.
  • Choose When: You pick the time that works for you.
  • Follow the Law: It’s a legal way for the police to do their job.
  • Talk to a Lawyer: You can get legal advice before and after turning yourself in.
  • Maybe Bail: You might be able to leave jail until your court date if you can post bail.
  • Look Good to the Court: Some courts see it as a good thing, which can help your case.
  • Less Stress: It’s less stressful than waiting for an arrest.
  • Clear Your Name: It’s a step to deal with the legal issue and clear your name.
  • Solving the Problem: It’s how you start fixing the legal issue.

Turning yourself in is uncomfortable. 

But, you should take control of the situation and turn yourself in for the warrant. 

What Happens If You Don't Turn Yourself In For A Warrant?

Not turning yourself in for a warrant can lead to:

  • Inconvenient Arrest: You might get arrested at a bad time or place, like during a routine traffic stop.
  • More Charges: You could face additional charges, making your legal troubles worse.
  • Higher Costs: Legal fees may increase as your case drags on.
  • Court Delays: Avoiding arrest can slow down your court proceedings.
  • Possible Detention: You may end up in custody until your court date.
  • Larger Bail: If you do get bail, the amount could be higher because of the warrant.

FAQs About Turning Yourself In After A Warrant

Here are other questions that we get about turning yourself in for a warrant. 

What Happens After A Warrant Is Issued?

After a warrant is issued, it’s entered into law enforcement systems. 

Then authorities actively search for the person named in the warrant. 

When found, they are arrested, go through booking, and are informed of their charges and rights. 

An initial court appearance follows, kicking off the legal process. 

This can involve negotiations, trials, and potential penalties if found guilty. 

The specific steps and outcomes depend on the warrant type, jurisdiction, and case details.

How Long Do You Stay In Jail For A Felony Warrant?

You can stay in jail for a felony warrant from several months to years if convicted. 

How long you stay in jail depends on things like:

  • the severity of the felony
  • your criminal history
  • bail availability
  • legal proceedings
  • sentencing

How Long Does It Take For A Warrant To Be Issued?

On average, it takes anywhere from a few hours to several days for a warrant to be issued. 

As you can imagine, getting a search warrant takes different amounts of time. 

Several factors affect this, like: 

  • where the warrant is sought
  • what the case is about
  • whether a judge or magistrate is available
  • how busy the police are

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