3 Things to Do When Surrendering Yourself to Police
Do you have an outstanding arrest warrant? If so, you may be considering if you should surrender to the police so you can face the charges for your crime. It may be the best way to receive a reduced sentence, or you may have realized you can't avoid the inevitable. Here are some things you should do when surrendering to help it go smoothly
Find a Lawyer
It's a good idea to reach out to a lawyer prior to surrendering. Since you are not in police custody yet, it will give you plenty of time to find the best one for your type of case. Your lawyer will also be the one that arranges the surrender and talks on your behalf, which can help determine how much your bail amount will be to get out of jail. If you don't take this crucial step before you're in police custody, it can take weeks to find a lawyer after you have been arrested.
Avoid Talking Too Much
It's likely that you will be questioned after surrendering yourself since the police want to know more about your story. Avoid talking too much while being questioned, and refer the police to your lawyer if necessary. Keep in mind that you do have the right to remain silent, and talking too much could incriminate yourself in a way that can be used against you in court. A lot of times, you are simply better off keeping quiet.
Look Into a Bail Bond
While you won't know how much your bail will be before you surrender, it is worth finding a local bail bondsman that can assist you before you are in police custody. Eventually you will be told how much your bail is set at. Once you know the amount of your bail, you'll have a bondman ready to go to get you the money you need. Keep in mind that bondsmen do take a fee in exchange for lending you the money for bail. You must also provide collateral when taking the bond. If you leave town or don't show up for your court date, you can lose that collateral.
Navigating a surrender to the police can be quite a difficult experience, but now that you know these three things, it will be sure to go smoothly. With the right help, you'll be able to clear your name and return to living your life.
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