If there is a warrant out for your arrest, oftentimes you can do a lot more harm than good for your situation by hiding or attempting to avoid the long arm of the law. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to get your proverbial ducks in a row before you head down to the precinct to turn yourself in. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at what you should do before you turn yourself in for a crime.
Should I Turn Myself In?
Here’s a look at a couple things you should do before you turn yourself in for a crime.
1. Make Sure There Is A Warrant For Your Arrest – If there is a warrant out for your arrest, you’re going to want to start the process of turning yourself in, otherwise you can face harsher penalties. But if there is not an active warrant for your arrest, there’s no current need to head down to the station and turn yourself in. You can usually try to perform a google search in your county to see if there is an active warrant for your arrest.
2. Talk To A Defense Lawyer – If there’s a warrant out for your arrest, it means you’ll soon be facing criminal charges, so it stands to reason that you should learn a little more about the charges you’re facing and how to challenge them. You can best do this by consulting with a criminal defense lawyer. They can go over your expected charges, what penalties they typically come with and what they believe is your best option moving forward. Oftentimes it’s with a strong defense, which they can also provide. They can also work with the police to showcase that you are being a cooperative suspect, which can help your outcome in the long-run. Finally, they can also provide you with advice when you decide to turn yourself in.
3. Work and Family – If there’s a chance that you’ll be held in custody or you’ll face a jail sentence for you actions, start taking some steps to limit the collateral damage to your career and your family. Be open and honest with those close to you so that they can make preparations for your absence. You will be going away one way or another, so it’s best to let those closest to you know so that they can be as prepared as possible.
4. Turn Yourself In – Finally, when you’ve squared away all that you can, go ahead and turn yourself in. Have your defense lawyer’s number handy or memorized, and keep the details to a minimum when talking to an officer. Even if they just want to get “your side of the story,” know that they are looking for evidence to convict you, so don’t say anything that could hurt your case. After you’ve turned yourself in, ask what you’re being charged with and when you’ll be able to reach out to your lawyer to provide them with details.
For more information, or for help with your criminal case, reach out to Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm today.
