Sometimes your entire day can be flipped upside down in a matter of moments. This is especially true for those going through legal troubles. Whether you missed court dates, violated your probation or didn’t pay your fines, an arrest warrant means you must turn yourself in to law enforcement. This may have come as a shock to you, or maybe you knew it was coming. Regardless of your experience with the legal system, having to turn yourself in is never a pleasant experience. However, there are ways to go about turning yourself in to ensure a smooth, easy process.
Be Ready to Post Bond
Once you’ve been arrested, you can’t leave until after a magistrate or judge sets your bond. Despite having a lawyer or attorney, nothing can speed up this process. However, it’s always good to be ready to act as soon as your bond is posted. Make sure your lawyer is close at all times to ensure a smooth process. Keep family, friends, or loved ones close by and ready to post your bond as soon as it becomes available. The sooner you can get out of jail, the better chance you have to recover.
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Choose the Right Time and Day
Believe it or not, there are ideal (and not so ideal) days to turn yourself in. Certain days save you time and energy, while others cause stress and delays.
The best days to turn yourself in are Tuesday and Wednesday.
The worst days to turn yourself in are Monday and Friday.
There are several reasons for this. For instance, Mondays are typically slammed with an accumulation of arrests from the prior weekend that still need processing. On Fridays, there are usually heavy arrests being made which likely leaves no time for a judge or magistrate to see you before the weekend.
Also, the time of day makes a huge difference on how much time you spend in custody. The earlier you can turn yourself in, the better the experience is for you. Choosing the best time to turn yourself in can mean the difference between getting back to your life quickly and spending more time than you’d like in jail.
The best time to turn yourself in is 7:00am. This time slot is the best and fastest possible choice. Depending on your municipal court and jail facility, other times may be ideal. It’s best to be proactive and contact your city’s law enforcement for more details on the best time to turn yourself in.
SEE: When Can Courts Deny Bail?
Remain Silent
Don’t forget your miranda rights. When in custody, anything you say can and will be used against you in court. If you do happen to be questioned by law enforcement, you have the full right to remain silent. You can say something along the lines of “I would like to exercise my right to remain silent,” or, “I would like an attorney to be present before I answer any questions.”
Unfortunately, individuals often end up talking to law enforcement about their case. Whether it’s to “set the record straight” or have their side of the story heard, this choice often backfires. At ABC Bail Bonds, we completely understand the impulse to speak or clear up the story. However, we’ve seen too bad things happen to too many good people, and that’s why exercising your 5th amendment right to remain silent is the smart choice. If you don’t want to see extra convictions pile up against you, just remain silent.
Always remember one thing: no matter how nice a police officer is, they’re not your friend—they are actively trying to convict you of a crime. It’s simply their job. In fact, even the most innocent statements about your arrest or any events surrounding it can be twisted or interpreted negatively. It’s best to play it safe and not say anything at all than to end up saying something you’ll regret later. Your freedom isn’t worth the risk!
What to Bring
On the day of turning yourself in, make sure you’re comfortable. Don’t wear something your mom wouldn’t want to see you in, however. Wear modest attire, but be comfortable. In the end, you really don’t know how long you’ll spend with law enforcement. Don’t worry about looking nice—or not looking nice enough.
For women, a simple pair of leggings and a T-shirt will suffice. Make sure there aren’t any holes or tears in your clothing, however; you don’t want to give law enforcement a bad impression. If you really want to go the extra mile, throw on a pair of jeans. As long as you’re comfortable, you’ll be fine.
For men, your most comfortable pair of jeans or even a pair of cargo shorts with a T-shirt will do. Again, the most important concept here is comfort (and not making a bad impression).
Chances are, you’ll have to change into a jumpsuit when being processed. However, if you chose the day at the right time, you may not have to.
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What Not to Bring
During the booking process, you will be searched by law enforcement. This aims to find and confiscate any items not allowed in court or jail. These include any tobacco products, nail files, scissors, tweezers, and pocket knives to name a few.
The rules for what not to bring are quite obvious. If you can’t bring it on an airplane, you most likely can’t bring it into court. To find out beforehand what you’re allowed to have on you, call your local law enforcement for rules and regulations.
Additionally, you won’t be able to bring your cell phone after booking. Typically, law enforcement will allow you to write down a few numbers for your own use. This way, you can still make calls and contact important people while in custody.
Watch Your Health
Your health is the most important thing to look out for when turning yourself into jail. If you have any medical conditions or illnesses that require special care, medication or equipment, call your local Sheriff’s Office ahead of time. Ask them what medical procedures are available for inmates, and what your options are.
Texas rules, regulations and policies vary from county to county. Calling ahead ensures that you are getting the most up-to-date information.
ABC Bail Bonds
We are Houston’s oldest, fastest, and most reliable bonding company serving all of Harris County. We offer the lowest prices, fastest service, and affordable payment options. We have over 25 years of experience working with the Harris County court system, and have the network available to bail anyone out of jail for any crime. To learn more about how we can help you, call or visit our office today.
