If I turn myself for a warrant, what should I expect?
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If I turn myself for a warrant, what should I expect?
About 2 months ago I was fired from my job for theft of $400. I agreed to pay it back and the police was called on me. I wasn’t arrested. I was told I would receive a summons in the mail to appear in court. They used the address on my ID and not my actual address so it was sent to the wrong address. I recently found out I now have a warrant for my arrest. I know I have to turn myself in. But what should I expect? I didn’t miss the court case on purpose. I’m scared of going to jail.
Asked on July 30, 2012 under Criminal Law, Florida
Answers:
Kevin Bessant / Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
You have two choices at this point. 1) Turn yourself in on the warrant in which you will be taken into custody and brought before the Judge to address the warrant. The Judge will set a bond. You can explain to the Judge why you missed your court date and ensure the Judge that you will return to all future court dates. The Judge will either grant you a personal recognizance bond, and you will be allowed to either plead guilty or set a trial date if you are not guilty. 2) Call the court and ask if they will allow you do a "walk-in" capias arraignment. This means that you can avoid turning yourself in, but you will actually go before the judge in hopes of getting the warrant set aside and obtaining a new court date. You may also want to consider retaining a criminal defense attorney to help you successfully resolve the warrant and the larceny/embezzlement criminal charge.
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