Are you or someone you know living in fear and anxiety because you have a warrant out for your arrest, or you suspect you do? When there is a knock at your door, do you worry that it is law enforcement coming to arrest you? It is not fun living day-by-day wondering if today is the day you will be arrested. It is not going to solve the problems you are facing or the fact there is a warrant out for your arrest. The following are some questions you or someone you know has about warrants and turning yourself in.
How Do I Know if I Have an Active Warrant?
One way to know if you have a warrant in Texas is to go to the website https://www.publicrecords.onlinesearches.com/. Once you arrive at this website, click on warrants and then Texas. Here you can search by county or the entire state. Another way is to try searching the county’s website. Once you get to the website, look for an option to search for warrants. If you cannot find it, you may have to call with an inquiry. Most law enforcement agencies will offer you this information, but they are not legally obligated to do so. Keep in mind, if they are busy, they may not take the time to give you what you are inquiring about.
You can also call or go to the sheriff’s office to see if you have a warrant. If you decide to stop by the sheriff’s office, be ready to be arrested. If you are lucky, they will set a court date and let you go. Just make sure you show up on your court date or else you will receive a warrant for failing to appear.
Another option is to reach out to your defense attorney or public defender, if you already have one. Either one can confirm whether or not you have an active warrant, and they may also be able to schedule a hearing for bench warrants. This can help you get the warrant canceled without going to jail.
Why Should I Turn Myself In?
Turning yourself in is recommended because you can take control of the situation. Doing so will keep you from living in fear and anxiety. By choosing to turn yourself in, you are also able to pick a time that is best for you. This will help minimize any stress that would go with being arrested unexpectedly, such as finding childcare and informing your employer you will not be at work for a while.
When you turn yourself in, you are showing the courts that you are taking responsibility for your actions. If bail has not been set yet, then turning yourself in can become the deciding factor in whether or not bail is set and how much it will be.
Can I Post Bail Before or After Turning Myself In?
If you are going to turn yourself in, check with a bail bonds company to find out if bail is already set. Most counties use a general bail schedule, which dictates how much bail is for certain crimes instead of requiring you to appear before a judge for bail to be set.
If bail is already set, you can start working with a bail bonds company to begin filling out paperwork and pay the bond fees. As soon as you turn yourself in and the booking process is complete, the bail bonds agency can post bail for you. If bail has not been set yet, you will have to wait until bail is set in order to arrange to be bailed out by a bail bonds agency.
Where Do I Turn Myself in If I Have a Warrant?
If you decide to turn yourself in, you can do so at your local county jail. They may have certain days and hours they request you to turn yourself in. If you so, you can find that information plus the address of the jail on the county sheriff’s website. If you cannot find the information, call the sheriff’s office and they will be able to tell you where you can turn yourself in at.
Keep in mind that it is important for you to go to the county jail in the county where your warrant was issued. This keeps slowdowns from occurring if you need to be extradited to another county jail.
What Should I Bring with Me When I Turn Myself In?
When you turn yourself in, be sure to bring a photo identification card and any prescribed medications you are taking. Make sure you wear something comfortable, as well. You do not know how long you will be there. If you are unsure about bringing something or have a condition that requires special equipment, call the sheriff’s department to learn about their protocol for these types of items.
If you think you might have a warrant out for your arrest, or if you know you do, AAAA Discount Bail Bonds can help you. If you have a bail amount already set, we can help you get the paperwork started before you turn yourself in so you or your loved one can be out on bail quickly. Contact us today at (936) 539-4444 to discuss how we can help you.