Sometimes, life throws us an inevitable curveball. In that vein, it’s important to be educated about turning yourself in should you ever receive a phone call from your local sheriff’s office stating there’s a warrant for your arrest. Below, we answer common questions you might have before turning yourself into local law authorities.
How Do I Find Out if There’s an Active Warrant Out for My Arrest?
In most cases, you can either call your local sheriff’s office or find a government website that has access to such records as warrants and traffic violations. For those living in the Columbus area, warrants can be searched by going to fcmcclerk.com/case/search. Here you will find a form that is submitted to the Franklin County Clerk’s Office. Once the clerk’s office can search your information, they will be able to inform you whether or not there is a warrant out for your arrest.
It should be noted that, in most instances, law enforcement will notify suspects when there is a warrant for their arrest. This information is usually provided to people by phone or mail.
Where Do I Turn Myself In?
Your local sheriff’s office or the closest police station. While it doesn’t necessarily matter – police will transport you to where you need to be – finding the closest sheriff’s office to your residence can be helpful to law authorities. This can cut out the middleman for them and expedite the process of booking your arrest. The faster you can go through this process, the faster you can get out.
When Is the Best Time to Turn Myself In?
Early in the morning on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This gives the judge overseeing your case enough time to see you before Friday, which means you’re less likely to spend the weekend in jail. The reason most people try to avoid Mondays is due to the influx of arrests from the previous weekend. The earlier in the day the better. This gives the authorities a full day to book you and then initiate the judicial process of scheduling a hearing in court.
What Items Should I Bring?
You don’t need much more than the normal items you don’t leave your house without (phone, wallet, keys, etc.). It is a good idea to have a family member’s phone number memorized as you will need a point of contact. In some cases, the authorities will allow you to write down a phone number on a piece of scratch paper. Don’t think too much about what you want to wear when you turn yourself in. You will more than likely receive different clothes once you’re booked. Dress comfortably if you’re worried you might be left in what you’re wearing.
Remember Your Rights
Thanks to living in the U.S., we all have rights when we’re being arrested. Remember that while you may want to state your case to an officer, anything you say can be held against you in a court of law. It’s always a good idea to inform a police officer – in a respectful manner - that you would like to remain silent until you have access to an attorney.
Can You Post Bail Before Turning Yourself In?
No, but you can make your time in jail much quicker by working with a bail bond before you turn yourself in. Andy Callif Bail Bonds is here to help you make the process of turning yourself in as streamlined as possible. Our team of surety bond agents will work with you and your family members to ensure you’re out of jail in no time.
For more information regarding the process of turning yourself in, be sure to contact us today at (614) 945-4334.