Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Turning yourself in for an arrest warrant

How does someone turn themself in if they discover through a job application they have an arrest warrant for a felony. (Posession of or accepting stolen property) They were previously arrested but was let go and did not know they had to appear in court. This individual has moved to another state also. Could they be arrested at airport while coming back? Are then any steps to take to prevent this on the way to turning themself in??


Asked on 3/06/09, 6:14 pm

4 Answers from Attorneys

Matthew Koken Law Office of Matthew S. Koken

Re: Turning yourself in for an arrest warrant

Hire an attorney to put your name on the court calendar. That attorney will then go before the court and recall the outstanding warrant. You will then be notified of court dates for that first charge. You must then attend those court dates.

Let me know if you need further assistance in this matter. Best of luck.

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Answered on 3/06/09, 6:19 pm
Jacek W. Lentz Law Offices of Jacek W. Lentz

Re: Turning yourself in for an arrest warrant

Arrest warrants need to be taken care of as soon as possible. They will inevitably catch up with the person sooner or later. And, yes, it could happen in a most unexpected moment, such as at an airport.

Your best bet is to retain a lawyer to conduct an investigation into how the warrant could be recalled. It might be possible to do it without the person present in court. Perhaps the person would need to be there but no bail required could be negotiated up front. Several issues and potential results - everything would depend on the specific facts of the situation.

Feel free to call my office if you are interested in retaining a lawyer in Southern California.

Jacek W. Lentz, Esq.

310.273.1361

www.lentzlawfirm.com

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Answered on 3/06/09, 8:10 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Turning yourself in for an arrest warrant

Carefully.

Usually people hire an attorney to assist them. Since this is a felony, you must come to court personally, with your attorney if you choose. He will arrange it for you. That minimizes the likelihood of being taken away to jail in cuffs.

Once you post bail, if that is required, you will then go on to handle the charges just like any other case; defend and fight, or negotiate a plea bargain.

Warrants are forever, and yes, you can be arrested anytime you come in contact with law enforcement.

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Answered on 3/06/09, 8:23 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Turning yourself in for an arrest warrant

Carefully.

Usually people hire an attorney to assist them. Since this is a felony, you must come to court personally, with your attorney if you choose. He will arrange it for you. That minimizes the likelihood of being taken away to jail in cuffs.

Once you post bail, if that is required, you will then go on to handle the charges just like any other case; defend and fight, or negotiate a plea bargain.

Warrants are forever, and yes, you can be arrested anytime you come in contact with law enforcement.

Feel free to contact me if serious about getting this legal help, if the case is in SoCal courts.

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Answered on 3/06/09, 8:24 pm


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