If you receive a notice that there is a warrant out for your arrest, you may be wondering what to do. This situation can cause a great deal of anxiety and uncertainty about your future. If you opt to turn yourself in with assistance from a criminal defense attorney, you can navigate the legal process in a way that benefits you as much as possible.
What Does it Mean if There Is a Warrant Out for My Arrest?
An arrest warrant is an order issued by a judge based on the belief that there is probable cause to suspect you of committing a crime. An arrest warrant authorizes law enforcement to arrest you and bring you before the court. There are also bench warrants in Arizona, which can be issued for an individual’s arrest after failing to attend a scheduled court hearing.
If you find out that either type of warrant has been issued for your arrest, the police can use it to find you and take you into custody. It is recommended to hire an attorney as soon as you discover the warrant to help you resolve the issue immediately.
What Will Happen After I Turn Myself In?
If you wish to surrender yourself to the courts, start by contacting a criminal defense lawyer to represent you. Your lawyer can review the warrant to determine what the charges are and their level of seriousness.
Your lawyer can explain your legal options and give you an honest overview of your case. Then, he or she can represent you in subsequent legal processes, starting with investigating the warrant. This may involve contacting the local sheriff’s office to understand the specific details and rules.
Your attorney can appear in court on your behalf, where he or she may request the warrant be quashed. In many cases, a judge will agree to resolve a warrant and allow the defendant to remain out of jail while the case is pending.
If you are arrested and booked, you will remain in jail until your bond is set. The bond determination will depend on factors such as the seriousness of the alleged offense, how likely you are to appear at future scheduled court dates and the level of perceived danger to the public if you are released.
Your attorney can advise you of the amount of a bond that has been set and request a bond reduction hearing, if appropriate. Your attorney will then continue to represent you during your criminal case.
The Benefits of Turning Yourself in With Legal Representation
Turning yourself in with help from an attorney can have several benefits. First, it allows you to remain in greater control of the situation. You will not have to wait with the fear or paranoia of the police showing up at any moment and arresting you. You can decide when you turn yourself in and minimize the repercussions on your life as much as possible.
Surrendering yourself will also make you look better in the eyes of the court. It will show that you are willing to cooperate, which the prosecution will consider when offering a plea bargain. In addition, you can increase your odds of qualifying for bail since you are showing that you are not a flight risk. Finally, when you hire an attorney, he or she can protect your rights and advocate for the best possible case outcome on your behalf from the very beginning.
For more information and legal advice tailored to your specific arrest warrant, contact Corso Law Group for a free and no-obligation consultation.
