Nobody ever plans to be arrested or have a warrant out for their arrest, but it happens to millions of people every year. If a warrant has been issued for your arrest, there are a few things you should know in order to protect your rights and spend as little time in jail as possible.
Police are allowed to arrest a person without a warrant under several special circumstances (such as the officer witnessing the crime). Otherwise, a warrant must be issued for your arrest. Knowing how to work with the system can help make the process as painless as possible.
Posting Bail on Outstanding Warrant
Can you post bail on a warrant? Yes, you can post bail on a bench warrant, provided there is a predetermined bail amount set for the warrant. Bench warrants often come with a specified bail amount, which means you can post bail to avoid being taken into custody. However, if the bench warrant specifies “No Bail,” then this option won’t be available.
Luckily for some of the accused, certain warrants have predetermined bail amounts assigned to them. This means that you can post bail to the courthouse without ever having to spend a day in jail. Serious felony charges will likely not have this option, and some warrants actually state “No Bail” on them. If you are able to post bail, however, there are two ways to go about it:
1. Bail Bond for Warrant
A bail bond is a popular option that most people take to avoid arrest on an outstanding warrant. Contact Bail Hotline and we will do the research and determine the status of your warrant and all the options open to you. If bail can be posted on your warrant, then we will post a surety bond to ensure your continued freedom.
An upfront fee of 10% of the actual bail amount is required for this service. After the bond is posted, your warrant will be recalled and a date set for your appearance in court.
2. Cash Bond for Warrant
Turning yourself in to law enforcement can be a harrowing experience, especially when you are unsure of the outcome. Call the court, giving your case number or name and date of birth to determine which options apply to the warrant. In certain specific cases, you can “Post and Forfeit” the warrant. This means that after paying the full bail, the warrant is recalled and the case is closed.
Bail can be posted with cash, credit card, or a check. The courts hold onto this money until a trial has concluded, at which point the bail amount may be returned, minus court costs and expenses. Statistically, cases where bail is paid with cash incur higher court fees. Essentially, if you show you have lots of cash, the court will not hesitate to charge you full price for all expenses incurred (such as a portion of any public defender costs).
Can a Bail Bondsman Check for Warrants?
A bail bondsman can indeed check for warrants. Bail bond companies often have access to databases and resources that allow them to check if there are any outstanding warrants against an individual. This service can be particularly useful for those who suspect they might have a warrant and want to address the issue proactively.
If Bail Can’t Be Posted on Warrant
If there is no predetermined bail set for your outstanding warrant, there are a few options to consider. As the accused, you can always turn yourself in to law enforcement. At this point, you may be released on your own recognizance, or you will remain in jail until the court decides whether you are eligible for bail. Unfortunately, bail itself is not a constitutional right, but freedom from excessive bail is a right.
You also have the right to request a hearing by being put on the walk-in warrant calendar. In some cases, this is not an option because the court may put a “no court surrender” order on the warrant. In this case, it is best to just turn yourself in to the police.
If this order hasn’t been put onto your warrant, then you can show up where your original case was supposed to be heard, and ask to be put on the hearing docket of the day. If bail is set during this hearing, then once again you can post it by paying cash or contacting a bail bondsman.
How To Get Out of a No-Bond Warrant
Getting out of a no bond warrant can be challenging. A no bond warrant means that the judge has ordered that you cannot be released on bail pending a court hearing. When these are issued by a judge, the best course of action is to consult with an attorney.
They can assist you in appearing before a judge to request that bail be set or to argue for a modification of the no bond order. Your attorney might be able to negotiate terms or conditions that could lead to the setting of a bond.
Can You Get a Bond on a Bench Warrant?
You can get a bond on a bench warrant in many cases. If the bench warrant includes a bail amount, you or a bail bondsman can post that amount, and you’ll be released until your court date. The process is similar to posting bail for other types of warrants.
Can You Post Bail Before Turning Yourself In?
If you find out there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you may be wondering, “Can I post bail before turning myself in to jail?” Posting bail before you turn yourself in can simplify your arrest and court processes. Your attorney can help you figure out how much money you will need for your bail.
If you do not have the money available to you, you may want to seek assistance from a bail bond service. Your attorney can also help you figure out if you can pay a bond without going to jail. Once you have your bail bond funding in place, you can turn yourself in.
Posting bail before turning yourself in can be helpful for the following reasons:
- You will not have to sit in jail until you are brought to court.
- The process generally goes more smoothly when you are arrested with a bail amount already set.
