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How Do I Turn Myself In on an Open Warrant in New York City?
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Understanding Open Warrants in New York City
If you have an open warrant in New York City, it means there is an active arrest order against you for failing to appear in court or violating the terms of your probation or parole. This is a serious legal matter that needs to be addressed properly.
The first step is not to panic. Take a deep breath and make a plan. Turning yourself is often the best way to resolve the situation, rather than waiting for the police to arrest you unexpectedly. Working with an experienced NYC criminal defense lawyer can help guide you through the process smoothly.
Locating Your Warrant Information
To turn yourself in, you first need to get the specifics on your warrant. This includes:
- The court that issued it
- The exact charges
- Whether bail/bond has been set
This information can typically be found online using New York State’s free warrant search website. You’ll just need details like your name, date of birth, driver’s license number, etc.
If you can’t find your warrant online, call the NYPD Warrant Squad at (718) 577-WANT. Explain your situation and request the warrant details. They likely will not give specifics over the phone though.
Consulting with a NYC Criminal Attorney
Before turning yourself in, consult with a criminal defense lawyer in New York City. This is crucial for understanding your options, rights, and strategy. The lawyer can walk you through what to expect and negotiate the terms of your surrender if appropriate.
Some top-rated NYC criminal attorneys to consider:
- Parness Law Firm – Highly experienced, 97% success rate. Free case evaluation.
- The Potkin Firm – Ex-prosecutors with 90% case dismissal rates.
- Galluzzo & Arnone LLP – Elite defense firm fighting for clients over 25 years.
Explain your open warrant situation honestly to the lawyer. They will advise you on the smartest next steps.
Arranging Your Surrender
In most cases, the best option is to voluntarily surrender yourself to the court or police. This looks far better than being involuntarily arrested later on. Your attorney can coordinate all the details, including:
- Negotiating your bail/bond: The lawyer may be able to pre-arrange very low or no bail upon your surrender. This prevents lengthy pre-trial detention.
- Managing booking and processing: They will walk you through what to expect during warrant processing and booking after surrender.
- Appearances and hearings: The lawyer will represent you at all subsequent court appearances related to the warrant charges.
Some key tips for surrendering properly:
- Dress neatly and professionally
- Bring valid ID and some cash
- Be cooperative with court/police staff
- Stick to only factual statements if questioned
Follow your lawyer’s advice precisely during the entire surrender process. Do not take any actions without their guidance.
If You Can’t Afford an Attorney
If you truly cannot afford a private defense lawyer, New York City does offer free legal resources, including:
- Legal Aid Society – Non-profit public defense firm handling 300k+ cases annually.
- NYC Assigned Counsel Plan – Court system program providing attorneys to low-income defendants.
These organizations generally have excellent criminal defense lawyers to represent you. Explain that you wish to voluntarily surrender on an open warrant and require counsel.
Additional Defense Resources
For more help navigating open warrants in NYC, some good online resources include:
- NY Courts Self-Help Center – Official NY state courts site with warrant information.
- Lawyers.com – Background on how arrest warrants work across the US.
- People’s Law Library – NYC public legal education organization with warrant details.