Discovering there’s a warrant out for your arrest can be a frightening and stressful experience. Perhaps you missed a court date, violated a probation condition, or learned that you’re being sought by law enforcement in relation to a criminal investigation.
Whatever your situation, you’re likely wondering: how long do you have to turn yourself in after a warrant has been issued in California?
In California, the law does not specify a particular deadline for turning yourself in once a warrant has been issued.
However, it’s critical to handle the situation promptly. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of unexpected arrest, increased penalties, or additional legal complications.
Types of warrants in California
Knowing exactly what kind of warrant you’re facing can help you better understand your situation and what steps to take next:
- Arrest warrants – These warrants are issued when law enforcement has probable cause to believe you committed a specific crime. An arrest warrant empowers police officers to take you into custody immediately, regardless of your location.
- Bench warrants – These warrants originate directly from a judge, usually because you’ve failed to appear in court, didn’t comply with a court order, or violated terms of probation. Like arrest warrants, bench warrants allow police to arrest you on sight and bring you before the court.
Consequences of ignoring a warrant
Ignoring an outstanding warrant in California carries significant risks:
- Unexpected Arrest – Police can arrest you at home, work, or during routine activities like a traffic stop, causing considerable embarrassment and disruption.
- Additional Charges – If you avoid addressing the warrant, prosecutors might add charges such as “failure to appear,” which come with their own penalties.
- Increased Bail or Bail Denial – Courts often interpret delays in resolving a warrant as evidence of flight risk, leading to increased bail or even denial of bail altogether.
How to resolve an outstanding warrant in California
To resolve a warrant promptly and effectively:
- Consult a Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately – An experienced lawyer can provide specific guidance and potentially arrange a voluntary surrender, minimizing disruption and detention time.
- Voluntary Surrender – Voluntarily turning yourself in demonstrates responsibility to the court. Your attorney can coordinate the best timing and circumstances for surrender.
- Prepare for Your Court Date – Your attorney will help you organize essential documentation and develop a strategic defense to address the underlying issues that triggered the warrant.
How Ventura Attorney Robert M. Helfend can help
If you’re facing an outstanding warrant in Ventura or the surrounding areas, Ventura attorney Robert M. Helfend has extensive expertise in California criminal defense law. He can assist you in navigating the complexities of warrants, arranging a voluntary surrender, and effectively representing you in court to achieve the best possible outcome.
Even though California law does not enforce a strict timeframe to turn yourself in after a warrant is issued, acting swiftly is crucial. Ventura attorney Robert M. Helfend offers knowledgeable and experienced representation to protect your rights and freedom. Don’t wait for law enforcement to take you by surprise — call today at 805-273-5611 for a confidential, free consultation.
Published March 15, 2025.