Finding out there's an arrest warrant can be stressful, and the first instinct is often to panic. Don't panic. Take steps that can reduce your stress and get you answers to deal with this situation more effectively.
Determining if There's a Bond on Your Warrant
The first thing we need to find out is whether there's a bond on your warrant. If there's already a bond listed on the warrant, it's simple. You can:
- Turn yourself in at the sheriff's office
- Be processed
- Post the bond
- Be released immediately without spending time in jail
When There's No Bond Listed
Where it gets complicated is when there's no bond listed on the warrant. This means the judge signed an arrest warrant but ordered you to be held without bond until you can be brought before the court for a hearing called first appearance. This normally takes place the morning after you're arrested.
At the first appearance, the judge will consider:
- The charge you're accused of
- Whether you have a prior criminal history
- Whether you've ever failed to appear for court before
- All factors to decide the appropriate bond to set
The prosecutor will be in the room making a recommendation for usually a higher bond. There will also be someone from an agency called pre-trial services. The pre-trial services officer makes a recommendation to the judge on what is an appropriate bond. Obviously, the judge can set whatever bond they think is appropriate, but the pre-trial services officer's recommendation is very important and carries significant weight.
Benefits of Hiring an Attorney Before Turning Yourself In
If you hire an attorney prior to turning yourself in on your warrant, I will be there at your first appearance hearing. What I can do is:
- Talk to the pre-trial services officer before the hearing starts to try to influence the bond recommendation
- Make arguments to the judge on what is the appropriate bond to try to get you released from jail on as low a bond as possible
One advantage of giving us a call before turning yourself in is that we can call and find out if there's a bond on your warrant. If there is, we can tell you what it is. We can put you in touch with a reputable bail bond company that we recommend and have used for our clients in the past. In other words, we can give you answers even before you've hired us because our number one goal is to help with your stress level and help you make informed decisions that can help your case.
If you discover there's a warrant for your arrest, don't wait. Contact Flaherty & Merrifield immediately so we can help you navigate this process and protect your rights.
